The Penn State Sunshine Fund is a grassroots effort dedicated to the institution of meaningful transparency at the Commonwealth’s flagship institution. It distributes funding for legal action, lobbying and other initiatives geared toward eliminating the secrecy that persists in Old Main.
Since the Sandusky scandal emerged in 2011, Penn State has fought attempts by average citizens to obtain information about what went on behind the scenes. A key Commonwealth Court ruling in July 2013 allowed citizens to request records from some members of the Board of Trustees. Now, Penn State’s administration is attacking your right to information. And your help is needed to defend that right.
Using its vast financial and legal resources, the university is expected to mount several court challenges over the coming months. Fighting those challenges will be a costly endeavour. But with the help of students, faculty alumni and other supporters, we can take on the administration’s attempts to revoke your right to information.
Few citizens can take on the Penn State administration alone. But together, we can make a difference.
Join the 370 dedicated Penn Staters from 259 cities in 36 states who believe a transparent Penn State is a more accountable Penn State. Donate today.
Follow the money, and ensure it's being spent where it should.
To contribute by check, please make your check payable to the "Penn State Sunshine Fund," and send it to:
Penn State Sunshine FundPlease include an e-mail address if you'd like to receive progress updates.
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The Penn State Sunshine Fund raises money to provide legal and lobbying services for advocating greater transparency at Penn State University.
The fund is managed by Ryan Bagwell, a Penn State alumnus and Wisconsin resident who has fought to obtain public records about Penn State since May 2012. His efforts have uncovered a number of records that question the conclusions reached by Louis J. Freeh.
The Penn State Sunshine Fund is a Limited Liability Corporation (“LLC”) registered in the state of Wisconsin. It’s sole owner is Ryan Bagwell.
No.
By check, credit/debit card or PayPal. Click here for more information.
No. Though the fund does not aim to make a profit, it is not a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Yes. Except for the amount of your contribution, we will never release details of your contribution without your consent, including your identity.
We’d like to raise at least $50,000. The cost of pursuing Bagwell v. Dept. of Education amounted to $15,000, and two similar challenges will likely be filed by early next year. In addition, we’d like to pursue information from other state agencies, which will also require legal funding.
The PSSF aims to practice what it preaches, and will make its financial activities publicly available to the greatest extent possible. It may not be possible to release some information due to requests from contributors or if such information will reveal legal strategy.
In addition, we hope to establish an oversight board in the near future that will ensure that money is used the fund’s established purpose.
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