Support Charity Navigator

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Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Inc.

Mission

THE DETROIT RIVERFRONT CONSERVANCY (DRFC), IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, IMPROVEMENT, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, SECURITY, PROGRAMMING AND EXPANSION OF THE DETROIT RIVERWALK AND ASSOCIATED GREEN SPACES. THROUGH ITS PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS, THE DRFC WILL SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RIVERFRONT DISTRICT AND FACILITATE COMMUNITY ACCESS TO THE WATERFRONT. THE DRFC WILL:- DEVELOP A COLLECTIVE SENSE OF OWNERSHIP, ACCESSIBILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY- ENHANCE DETROIT'S IMAGE TO EMPHASIZE ITS ICONIC, INTERNATIONAL RIVERFRONT- CREATE AND MAINTAIN AN INVITING DESTINATION FOR ALL

Proceed with Increased Caution — Confirmed Embezzlement

On November 16, 2024, CBS News reported on a material diversion of assets confirmed to have taken place at Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Inc. in an article titled, "Former Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO pleads guilty in $40M embezzlement scheme." For more information regarding this matter, please see CBS News article.

On June 5, 2024, ABC News published an article titled "Key figure at Detroit riverfront nonprofit charged with embezzling millions." For more information, please see ABC News article
On October 29, 2024, The Detroit News published an article titled "Ex-Detroit Riverfront CFO William Smith gets new date to plead guilty in $44M fraud case." For more information, please see The Detroit News article
On February 26, 2025, The Detroit News published an article titled "Prison sentencing delayed for corrupt ex-Detroit Riverfront CFO William Smith." For more information, please see The Detroit News article
On May 14, 2025, The Detroit News published an article titled "Corrupt former Detroit Riverfront CFO William Smith to appeal despite deal with feds." For more information, please see The Detroit News article

DETROIT MI | EIN: 30-0125283

Is this your nonprofit?

501(c)(3) organization

600 REN CTR STE 1720,
DETROIT MI 48243-0000

https://WWW.DETROITRIVERFRONT.ORG

313-566-8200

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Inc.

Mission

Proceed with Increased Caution — Confirmed Embezzlement

On June 5, 2024, ABC News published an article titled "Key figure at Detroit riverfront nonprofit charged with embezzling millions." For more information, please see ABC News article
On October 29, 2024, The Detroit News published an article titled "Ex-Detroit Riverfront CFO William Smith gets new date to plead guilty in $44M fraud case." For more information, please see The Detroit News article
On February 26, 2025, The Detroit News published an article titled "Prison sentencing delayed for corrupt ex-Detroit Riverfront CFO William Smith." For more information, please see The Detroit News article
On May 14, 2025, The Detroit News published an article titled "Corrupt former Detroit Riverfront CFO William Smith to appeal despite deal with feds." For more information, please see The Detroit News article

DETROIT MI | EIN: 30-0125283

Is this your nonprofit?

501(c)(3) organization

600 REN CTR STE 1720,
DETROIT MI 48243-0000

https://WWW.DETROITRIVERFRONT.ORG

313-566-8200

Beacon Report

Great
Good
Needs Improvement
Poor
Incomplete
Additional Information

Website Reported on Tax Form:Yes

SCORE100%

No Material Diversion of Assets:No

SCORE0%

Financial Statements:No

SCORE0%

Audit Oversight Committee:Yes

SCORE100%

No Loans Reported To or From Officers:Yes

SCORE100%

Records Retention Policy:Yes

SCORE100%

Tax Form Disclosed on Website:No

SCORE0%

Accountability Panel
Score	Metric
100%	Website Reported on Tax Form:Yes
0%	No Material Diversion of Assets:No
0%	Financial Statements:No
100%	Audit Oversight Committee:Yes
100%	No Loans Reported To or From Officers:Yes
100%	Records Retention Policy:Yes
0%	Tax Form Disclosed on Website:No

Science behind the numbers

Nonprofit Resources

Nonprofit Resources

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Inc.

Mission

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Inc.

Mission

Beacon Report