The Economics of a “Human Trafficking” Sting: The Non Profit Spreadsheet

During Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the public is encouraged to support efforts that “help survivors.” Yet, few realize how much funding flows to institutions that expand policing rather than strengthen community care. After exploring the law enforcement and court costs of trafficking stings, this week we turn to the nonprofit landscape that profits from the rescue narrative. We examine the “rescue economy” - the network of programs and organizations that absorb funding generated by stings while survivor-led and harm-reduction organizations struggle to stay afloat.