New York State has left nearly $18 million in taxpayer donations sitting untouched in charity accounts while firefighters, veterans, food banks, and cancer researchers wait for funds that were earmarked for their causes years ago, according to a scathing report from State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released Friday.

Millions Sit Idle While Recipients Suffer

The comptroller’s audit revealed Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration has failed to distribute charitable contributions that New Yorkers voluntarily added to their tax returns through the state’s checkoff program. The most egregious example involves $2.3 million designated for volunteer firefighter recruitment that has remained completely untouched since 2023, including $300,000 from 2025 tax returns. Another $1.1 million intended for food banks has sat frozen since 2024, even as Hochul declared a state of emergency over food insecurity during last year’s federal government shutdown.

NY sitting on nearly $18M in taxpayer cash meant for charities: 'Unacceptable' https://t.co/tswVkmaG6t pic.twitter.com/eWlRtYcj6k

— New York Post (@nypost) August 28, 2026

Of the top ten charity funds with the highest balances at the end of the fiscal year in June, seven received zero disbursements during the entire 2026 fiscal year. The funds represent voluntary contributions from New York taxpayers who chose to donate while filing their returns, expecting their money would reach the intended recipients.

Lawmakers Demand Accountability

State Senator Jake Ashby, a Republican from the 43rd District and Afghanistan war veteran, called the situation despicable given New York’s already high tax burden. Ashby successfully pressured the state to release $1.7 million in donations meant for homeless veteran services over the past two years, but expressed frustration that such intervention was necessary. Long Island Democrat Senator Monica Martinez stated the administration broke promises made to every taxpayer who voluntarily contributed with expectations their donations would be put to work immediately.

Retired Ithaca Fire Department Lieutenant Tom Basher, now a volunteer firefighter, said the idle funding represents a missed opportunity to support struggling volunteer fire departments across the state. He suggested the state should focus on treating existing volunteers better rather than lamenting recruitment difficulties.

What This Means

The comptroller’s findings expose serious management failures within state agencies responsible for administering charitable funds. New York City Councilman Frank Morano, chair of the Veterans Services Committee, argued Albany needs to reform the entire tax checkoff system rather than continually adding new boxes to tax forms. DiNapoli stated it is unacceptable for these donated funds to remain unspent and demanded agencies ensure contributions reach their intended purposes. The report raises questions about government competence in managing even voluntary charitable programs that depend on taxpayer goodwill.