A recent campaign finance filing with the Oregon Secretary of State has revealed that Gospel Rescue Mission, a prominent nonprofit homeless shelter in Grants Pass, contributed $1,000 to the campaign of State Representative Dwayne Yunker on September 25, 2025. According to the transaction record in the state’s ORESTAR database, the contribution was categorized as a “Cash Contribution,” with no further description provided. This transaction, however, stands in direct violation of both federal tax law and Oregon’s campaign finance statutes governing nonprofit organizations.
Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, charitable nonprofit organizations are “absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office.” This rule, often referred to as the Johnson Amendment, is a condition of a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status. The IRS explicitly states that this prohibition applies to both financial and in-kind contributions. Violations can result in revocation of tax-exempt status, imposition of excise taxes, and other legal sanctions against the organization and its responsible parties.
The ORESTAR transaction, filed under Transaction ID 5387010, clearly lists “Gospel Rescue Mission” as the contributor, with a Grants Pass P.O. Box address. The amount—$1,000—is not insignificant in a local state representative race, and the absence of any explanation or reimbursement flag raises further concerns. This contribution was accepted and processed by the “Yunker for State Representative” campaign committee, indicating no attempt to reject or return the funds.
In Oregon, this type of contribution can trigger multiple layers of scrutiny. Under ORS 260.402, it is unlawful for a political committee to knowingly accept contributions made in violation of federal law. Similarly, if the donor is prohibited from contributing, campaigns are expected to return or refuse the funds. Failure to do so can expose the candidate and their committee to civil penalties, audits, or even referral to the Oregon Department of Justice for enforcement.
For the nonprofit itself, the legal consequences are even more severe. A 501(c)(3) that participates in political campaigns risks IRS enforcement, which can include back taxes, excise taxes under IRC §4955, and ultimately, the loss of tax-exempt status. In addition, Oregon’s Department of Justice Charitable Activities Section oversees nonprofit compliance within the state and has the authority to investigate and sanction charities that misuse their assets for non-charitable purposes.
If confirmed and uncorrected, this $1,000 contribution could jeopardize Gospel Rescue Mission’s standing as a charitable organization and place Representative Yunker’s campaign under regulatory scrutiny for accepting funds that should never have been donated. Such violations are not administrative technicalities—they are fundamental breaches of the legal separation between charitable organizations and political campaigns designed to prevent tax-exempt entities from influencing elections.
The Tribune reached out to Gospel Rescue Mission Executive Director Brian Bouteller for comment regarding the contribution. In response, Bouteller offered a statement underscoring the organization’s alignment with Representative Yunker’s positions on homelessness and governance. “Representative Yunker is a champion of right thought regarding homelessness in Oregon. He fights for an Oregon governed by Christian principles, as does the Gospel Rescue Mission,” Bouteller said.
As of now, no public corrective action or refund has been recorded in ORESTAR. Both the organization and the campaign may face state and federal investigation if the contribution remains unaddressed. For Josephine County residents, the incident raises larger questions about transparency, oversight, and the intersection of politics and charitable work in a community already grappling with homelessness and governance controversies.