Fidelity Charitable told its 350,000 donor‑advised fund holders that contributions to the Southern Poverty Law Center would no longer be processed. The move follows a Justice Department indictment accusing the civil‑rights group of financial crimes. Fidelity cited its grant‑making standards, which prohibit donations to organizations under active federal investigation.

Donor‑advised funds let donors claim an immediate tax deduction while retaining control over timing of grants. Normally, the approval step is procedural, but Fidelity’s policy allows it to block recipients flagged for alleged illegal activity, money‑laundering or fraud. The firm referenced language on its website that lists such investigations as grounds for denial.

The decision underscores the growing pressure on financial intermediaries to police charitable giving channels. While Vanguard and Charles Schwab have not confirmed similar actions, Fidelity’s stance could prompt donors to reassess the convenience of donor‑advised accounts for controversial nonprofits. The firm’s ruling effectively cuts a major fundraising conduit for the SPLC.