The San Francisco Parks Alliance, once a prominent nonprofit supporting local parks, has collapsed amid a devastating financial scandal that has left dozens of community groups high and dry.

Former CEO Drew Becher faced intense scrutiny during a heated City Hall committee hearing, where supervisors grilled him about the misappropriation of nearly $4 million in restricted funds. Becher’s evasive testimony raised more questions than answers, with Supervisor Stephen Sherrill bluntly describing the situation as potentially resembling a “Ponzi scheme”.

The financial mismanagement came to light when it was revealed that the organization had been using money raised by small neighborhood groups for their own operating expenses. Community organizations that had trusted the Parks Alliance to safeguard their funds suddenly found themselves without critical resources for local park improvements and community projects.

Becher attempted to deflect blame, pointing to the former Chief Financial Officer Justin Probert, who left the organization in February 2024. “I had no idea that restricted funds were being misapplied,” he claimed, insisting he relied on the financial team’s reports.

Supervisor Jackie Fielder suggested that the scandal might extend beyond the Parks Alliance, potentially implicating Phil Ginsburg from the Rec and Parks Department. Community members like Vicky Rideout, founder of Tompkins Stairway Garden, testified that these financial irregularities were an “open secret” for years.

The fallout has been swift and severe. Mayor Lurie has pulled all city funding, and the nonprofit has completely shut down. Dozens of community groups are now left wondering if they’ll ever recover the funds they raised for local park improvements.

For those affected, there’s a slim hope of recovery. The Chronicle reports that groups can file a claim form before December 1, 2025, to seek repayment. However, the likelihood of full reimbursement remains uncertain.

This scandal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of financial transparency and accountability in nonprofit organizations, especially those entrusted with community resources.