Nonprofit at center of Prince George’s grant controversy returns funds

October 23, 2026 Clara Wilson

The organization at the center of controversy in Prince George’s County has returned millions of taxpayer dollars in grant funds.

Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy announced the return of $7.6 million from the Edward Charles Foundation. It’s the Beverly Hills, California, nonprofit that oversees Community on the Frontline, a local organization with close ties to Council Chair Krystal Oriadha.

Earlier this month, the News4 I-Team reported the Prince George’s County Council awarded more than $8 million in two separate grants this year to Community on the Frontline. The organization is run by Janna Parker, whom Oriadha has called her “best friend” on social media.

The council has not said whether there was any competitive process before the money was awarded.

Last week, Braveboy and Oriadha sent a letter to Community on the Frontline asking that its most recent grant, totaling $7.6 million, and any other county dollars, be returned to the county. Braveboy also requested an independent investigation into how these dollars were used.

On Wednesday, News4 reported that the county auditor’s office issued subpoenas to the council to retain all documents related to the grant award.

“Every resident in Prince George’s County is entitled to an accounting of all money spent by the Edward Charles Foundation,” Braveboy said in a statement Thursday. “The return of Prince George’s County Council’s grant funds will ensure our citizens that all funds will be used to benefit YOU THE TAXPAYER!!”

Also Thursday, Braveboy said roughly $12.8 million has been directed by the council to the Edward Charles Foundation between fiscal years 2024 to 2026 and that she wants all of it back. She said the county is working with the foundation to facilitate the return of the money, and they expect the remaining funds to be returned in the coming days.

The Edward Charles Foundation has previously said they are fully cooperating with the request. The News4 I-Team has reached out to confirm if they plan on returning funds from prior years, but they could not be immediately reached for comment.

Oriadha has said there has been no wrongdoing, but that she is committed to transparency, and that’s why she supported the return of the funds.

In a Thursday evening statement to News4, Oriadha called the return of the $7.6 million “a positive step forward.”

“As Council Chair, I took action by partnering with County Executive Aisha Braveboy to request both the return of these funds and a full audit and review,” Oriadha said. “I am pleased to confirm that the Edward Charles Foundation has returned the requested $7.6 million to Prince George’s County. We will continue working to ensure that any remaining funds are properly accounted for and returned as the review proceeds.”

“This is a positive step forward,” the statement continues. “I welcome the full audit and look forward to the opportunity to establish the facts, address misinformation, and provide residents with the answers they deserve.”

“My priority remains ensuring that this process moves forward so we can refocus our attention on the important work of serving the people of Prince George’s County,” she said.