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A California nonprofit awarded $18.2 million in state child care grants operates a single daycare caring for no more than six children, an investigation by The Center Square found.
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Shop NowThe William Law Foundation’s website advertises “over 40 locations” in 10 counties. The California Department of Social Services confirmed it has one licensed facility, the Willverines Childcare Center in Bakersfield, which The Center Square visited on Oct. 14.
Executive Director William Edwards said it opened in October 2026, more than three years after the 2022-23 award.
He acknowledged the 40 sites never existed, saying the counties were where he hoped to operate. “It seemed like a good idea at the time when I had nothing,” he said.
A CDSS spokesman said the nonprofit has received about $2.2 million in startup funds, which Edwards said he has spent. The remaining roughly $16 million depends on enrolling more children. The 2024 tax return shows Edwards paid himself at least $540,000; he said he took no salary in 2025 or 2026 but provided no documentation.
Loyola University Chicago law professor Sam Brunson said the facts could point to fraud or to poor state oversight. CDSS has not explained how the nonprofit qualified for the award.
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