Amidst the buzz surrounding the Arquell Foundation, supported by Harry and Meghan’s US charity, questions have arisen about the allocation of their funds.
Since its inception post-Megxit in 2020, the foundation has raised a substantial $13 million and distributed $3 million in grants.
However, scrutiny from experts has intensified as they seek clarity on how the remaining $10 million will be utilized and the proportion designated for staff and administration costs.
The inaugural official report of the Foundation, unveiled in the US recently, sheds light on their global impact through figures.
Notably, the charity spearheaded by Harry and Meghan disclosed its involvement in procuring 12.66 million COVID-19 vaccines worldwide in collaboration with Global Citizen.
Despite this achievement, critics have referenced a 2021 Global Citizen report indicating that the Sussexes’ Foundation contributed $535,000, sufficient for 107,000 vaccine doses, raising skepticism about the reported figures.
Following the report’s release, Global Citizen’s co-founder, Michael Sheldrick, expressed gratitude towards the royal couple for their support while emphasizing that the success in administering 12.66 million vaccine doses was a collective effort involving both public and private sector backing.
The absence of specific details regarding Arquell Foundation’s direct monetary contributions has sparked debate, with some suggesting that the organization leveraged partnerships to mobilize donations rather than contributing funds directly.
Supporters of Harry and Meghan highlight their efforts in convening private sector discussions that resulted in commitments from corporate giants like MasterCard, Procter & Gamble, Cisco, Coca-Cola, and Spotify.
The couple’s active participation in high-profile events such as the Vax Live concert in California and Global Citizen Live in New York further underscore their commitment to promoting vaccine equity and community upliftment.
Despite the commendable initiatives undertaken by the Arquell Foundation, concerns linger over the transparency of their financial operations.
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News columnist Omid Scobie revealed that Arquell allocated 23% of its revenue towards charitable endeavors in its initial year.
As the foundation outlines plans to focus on enhancing the digital landscape, rebuilding trust in information dissemination, and empowering communities in the coming year, questions persist regarding the substantial portion of funds that remain unaccounted for.
Former MP Norman Baker, renowned for his insights into royal finances, voiced apprehension over the sizable sum amassed by Harry and Meghan’s foundation, urging for greater disclosure on fund utilization.
While acknowledging the prudence in retaining a portion of funds for future endeavors, Baker stressed the importance of transparency in delineating the allocation of resources between administrative expenses and charitable activities.
As the public clamors for clarity on the fate of the unutilized $10 million, social media platforms have been abuzz with queries echoing the need for transparency and accountability.
The lingering uncertainty surrounding the Arquell Foundation’s financial management underscores the imperative for enhanced disclosure and oversight to maintain public trust in charitable endeavors.