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How THON money gets spent isn't crystal clear

The Four Diamonds charity — the beneficiary of THON's fundraising — has spent $239.4 million since fiscal year 2009.

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 PENN STATE ALERT 

 
February 17, 2023
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THON MONEY
Steven M. Falk / Philadelphia Inquirer
While Penn State's THON promotes the benefits of its fundraising for children and their families, the charity it funds — Four Diamonds — uses the majority of the money to pay for research and Penn State endowments. Four Diamonds has spent $239.4 million since fiscal year 2009.

Ahead of THON dancers standing all weekend, Spotlight PA sought to clarify the relationship between Four Diamonds and the university.

Spotlight PA's Wyatt Massey analyzed Four Diamonds’ spending over the past 14 fiscal years, spoke with experts who study charitable finances, and sought information from Four Diamonds and THON about how they operate.

Here’s what you need to know:
 
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