An investigation by The Center Square revealed that California awarded 18,216,131 dollars to the William Law Foundation through the state's 2022–23 General Child Care and Development Program grants, despite the organization operating only a single actual facility with minimal enrollment.
Key Details of the Finding
• The Grant: The state awarded 18.2 million dollars to the nonprofit for proposed care of more than 1,048 children in at-risk communities.
• Actual Operations: Executive Director William Edwards admitted the nonprofit opened its first and only facility—the Willverines Childcare Center in Bakersfield, California—in October 2026, more than three years after receiving the funds.
• Attendance: During an unannounced site visit, the facility had only one child present (with five others reported sick) out of an active license capacity for up to 60 children.
• The Phantom Locations: The foundation's website advertised "Over 40 Locations to Serve You" across 10 California counties, but 39 of those locations did not exist.
• Startup Funding: State officials confirmed the organization received approximately 2.2 million dollars in startup funds prior to opening its first physical center.
• AI-Generated Marketing: The nonprofit used AI-generated promotional videos showing non-existent campus offerings like robotics, guitar, and gardening, which Edwards acknowledged were posted to represent his vision rather than current services.
Links:
• The Center Square: thecentersquare.com
If you would like, I can provide details on how California state agencies oversee childcare grant distributions or recent federal and state actions regarding childcare funding audits.