Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has completed an investigation into the Twin Falls YMCA, and concluded that he “has reason to believe the YMCA-Twin Falls violated Idaho’s charitable trust laws,” by using restricted donations for such projects as an indoor water park to instead cover operating expenses. “This investigation serves as a case study for all charitable organizations in Idaho and those who serve on boards,” Wasden said in a news release. “The lesson is that board members have an important oversight duty and responsibility to ensure charitable trust assets are being used appropriately.”

Wasden’s investigation found that the organization’s former executive director made the shifts, and provided insufficient financial records to the board. “The investigation did not find that any charitable trust assets were used for private gain or purposes,” according to Wasden’s release.

The attorney general praised the organization’s board for its cooperation during the investigation, and said the board already is complying with a series of recommendations for improving practices. “This is an important asset to the community, and the recommendations I’ve made are designed to make sure this organization can continue making a positive impact on children and families far into the future,” Wasden said. The full investigation report is online here.