The spotlight on Prince Harry and Meghan’s charitable endeavors has intensified, as new financial figures reveal a challenging year for the Archewell Foundation.
The charity, recently rebranded as Archewell Philanthropies, saw its expenses soar in 2024, while donations and grants took a sharp hit.
Adding to the drama, three staff members were let go amid the restructuring.
Spending Surges as Revenue Drops
According to the recently released 990 form, Archewell recorded total expenses of $5.1 million, a significant 54% increase from $3.3 million in 2023.
At the same time, contributions and grants plummeted from $5.3 million the previous year to $2.1 million.
Grants disbursed totaled just $1.25 million.
Salaries accounted for $913,000, while “other expenses” reached $2.9 million, up from $1 million.
These elevated costs are believed to be connected to the Sussexes’ global trips, including visits to Nigeria and Colombia.
The charity reported a net loss of $2.5 million for the year, a stark contrast to the $2.4 million surplus in 2023.
Despite this, Archewell still maintains net assets of $8.2 million, down from $10.7 million the previous year.
Staff Cuts Amid Rebranding
The rebranding to Archewell Philanthropies came with personnel changes.
Three staff members were recently informed they would be leaving, including Kristen Slevin, the director of programs and operations, who earned $146,000 annually.
While the Sussexes’ office initially denied any staff changes, insiders confirmed that some roles, particularly junior administrative positions, were being eliminated as part of the restructuring.
Remaining staff include long-time advisor James Holt and charity professional Shauna Nep, who has notable connections in the entertainment industry.
The Duke and Duchess themselves remain directors without taking a salary, reportedly dedicating around an hour a week to the charity.
Origins and Mission of Archewell
Founded in 2020 and named partly after their son Archie, Archewell was designed to be the central hub for the couple’s philanthropic efforts.
The name combines the ancient Greek word “arche,” meaning “source of action,” with “well,” symbolizing abundance and a place to dig deep.
With the rebrand, Archewell Philanthropies is shifting its operating model to function as a “fiscal sponsor” that processes donations.
Sources say this change is intended to streamline administration, expand global reach, and focus more on impact than day-to-day operations.
The charity remains fully tax-deductible, IRS-compliant, and committed to causes such as mental health, responsible technology, and community wellbeing.
Philanthropy in Action
The charity’s 2023 tax filing showed donations totaling £4.18 million, largely from Fidelity Charitable, with £1.03 million distributed to charitable causes.
Archewell has consistently emphasized hands-on philanthropy: partnering with organizations, identifying urgent needs, and striving for long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
Recent initiatives included addressing online harms in social media and participating in a meal-preparation session with Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles to support food-insecure communities.
The charity has also hosted fundraising events, such as a gala auction in New York in partnership with CharityBuzz, which has raised millions for causes with celebrities like George Clooney and Beyoncé.
Early Challenges and Transparency
Despite its high-profile nature, Archewell has faced scrutiny.
At its launch, it became apparent that smaller, local initiatives sometimes raised more funds than the global foundation.
By law, the organization is required to focus on funding existing charities and projects, rather than launching entirely new programs.
The foundation’s leadership emphasizes transparency and accountability, aligning its activities with its mission to create meaningful, lasting impact.
This approach continues to guide Harry and Meghan’s philanthropic journey, even as the organization evolves into its new Archewell Philanthropies structure.
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