CEDAR RAPIDS, IA — Area man Dennis Fulcher, 41, confirmed Tuesday that he has been automatically donating $18 per month to a nonprofit youth literacy organization that dissolved in February 2021, making him the sole ongoing financial supporter of an entity that no longer has a staff, a mission, or a legal status in the state of Iowa.

Fulcher discovered the discrepancy while reviewing his bank statements for the first time since setting up the recurring donation in 2019, at which point he had described the gift as “the kind of thing that just handles itself.” The organization, Reading Roots Initiative, ceased operations following the departure of its executive director and has not filed a Form 990 in four years. Its website, however, remains live and fully functional.

“I thought I was investing in children,” said Fulcher, staring at a browser tab showing a stock photo of a smiling child next to a book. “Technically I was investing in GoDaddy hosting fees.”

“The website still has a donation button, a mission statement, and a 2020 impact report. Whoever is receiving this money has built a very compelling illusion.”

Fulcher’s wife, Carla, 39, noted that the couple had discussed canceling the donation in 2022 but ultimately felt too guilty to stop giving to children. The children, it turns out, were not involved.

His financial advisor, Marcus Webb, 54, confirmed that the $1,296 total represents a “meaningful charitable contribution to the concept of generosity itself.”

At press time, Fulcher had not canceled the donation, reasoning that someone out there probably still needs it.