Beware of Scams & Fraudulent Communications

At the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, we are committed to making a meaningful impact through our grant-making efforts in Education, Human Services, and Healthcare. Our dedication extends to ensuring the safety and security of our community, including our applicants, grantees, the public, and potential job candidates.

It has come to our attention that individuals and organizations have impersonated the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, misusing our name or the names of our staff members in attempts to fraudulently request money, personal information, or both. Recently, fraudulent actors have targeted job seekers, attempting to gain sensitive bank information under the guise of employment opportunities with our foundation.

How to Recognize Scams

• Unsolicited Requests: We do not send unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information, financial contributions, or banking details for job applications. All our grant-making and hiring processes are initiated through official channels and are transparently communicated on our website.
• Requests for Fees: We never ask for fees for applying for grants. Any communication suggesting otherwise should be considered fraudulent.
• Suspicious Communication: Emails from the McGowan Fund will always come from an official @williamgmcgowanfund.org or @mcgowanfund.org email address. Be cautious of communications from free email services or misspelled email addresses claiming to be associated with our foundation.
• Job Offer Process: When hiring, the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund will only extend a job offer after a formal, in-person interview process. We do not request bank details or personal financial information before an official job offer is made during an in-person meeting.

What You Should Do

• Verify: If you receive a communication that appears to be from the McGowan Fund and are unsure of its legitimacy, please contact us directly through our official contact information listed on our website. We are here to clarify and assist.
• Report: If you suspect you have received a fraudulent communication, especially one targeting job seekers, please report it to us at [email protected]. By reporting scams, you help us safeguard our community and the integrity of our work.

Our Commitment

The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund remains resolute in its mission to empower future generations and bring about sustainable change through ethical, impactful grant-making. Part of this commitment is ensuring the trust and safety of those we work with. We appreciate your vigilance and partnership in preventing fraudulent activities that misuse the goodwill of our philanthropic efforts.

For any concerns or inquiries, please reach out to us directly. Together, we can continue to make a difference while safeguarding the integrity and trust that define our work.