Sandy City residents deserve fact-based, data-backed information when selecting your candidates for city council and mayor. We are committed to helping you cut through the noise so you can be confident in electing honest, transparent and ethical leaders to move our city forward.
We want to share important information regarding recent concerns raised about Friends of Little Cottonwood Canyon (FOLCC), a Utah based nonprofit organization. Multiple Sandy City residents have contacted us regarding potential violations of federal law related to their activity.
As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity, FOLCC (EIN 87-4469336) is allowed to advocate for a cause, however they are prohibited under IRS regulations from “directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elected public office.”
After reviewing these concerns and researching publicly available documents through the IRS and Utah Department of Commerce, our team found evidence that warranted a formal request for federal and state investigations. We have submitted a letter to the IRS, the Utah State Tax Commission, and the Utah Division of Consumer Protection requesting a full investigation. You can read the full letter HERE. Below are our key findings that we believe every Sandy City voter deserves to be aware of.
- Prohibited Candidate Endorsements – On September 21, 2025, FOLCC publicly endorsed candidates in both Sandy and Cottonwood Heights. Public endorsements by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit are expressly prohibited by IRS rules. Historical records through the Utah Elections Office also show that FOLCC previously operated a political action committee (PAC), though that PAC is now closed.
- Prohibited Opposition Campaigns – FOLCC has engaged in public campaigns opposing candidates they do not support, which also constitutes prohibited political activity under federal law.
- Misleading Claims on the Gondola Project – FOLCC and several Sandy City candidates have circulated misleading cost estimates of $1.4 billion, or roughly $1,200 per Utah household, for the proposed Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola. These figures are inaccurate and not supported by comprehensive financial projections developed by UDOT or the Wasatch Front Regional Council. When asked for documentation of these estimates, FOLCC declined to provide sources or calculations.
- Questionable Political Contributions – FOLCC board members have contributed approximately $10,000 to the campaign of Sandy City Mayor Monica Zoltanski. While individual contributions are permitted, the connection raises concerns when paired with prohibited nonprofit endorsements.
These findings raise legitimate questions about both compliance with federal nonprofit law and the accuracy of information being shared with the public. If FOLCC wishes to participate in political campaigns, it must do so under an entity other than a tax-exempt nonprofit.
We will continue to monitor this matter and keep residents informed as regulatory agencies review the complaint. If you are aware of other instances of improper nonprofit or special interest interference in Sandy City government or politics, we encourage you to share that information with us.
UPDATE: FOLCC scambled to update their website noting that donations made through their donation portal are funneled to a 501(c)(4) organization. However, the donor portal is setup to recieve donations to their 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit. We call on FOLCC to release their tax returs for both their 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4)
Residents for Sandy's Future
Sandy City's Official Citizen-Driven Watchdog Coalition
Restoring Honesty, Transparency and Integrity in Sandy City.