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The National Whistleblower Center (NWC): Protecting Those Who Speak Truth to Power

Updated: Jun 22

The National Whistleblower Center (NWC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that champions the rights of individuals who expose corruption, fraud, abuse, and other forms of wrongdoing—often at significant personal risk. Established in 1988, the NWC has become a vital force in strengthening whistleblower protections across the United States and around the world.


Through advocacy, legal assistance, policy reform, and public education, the National Whistleblower Center works to ensure that whistleblowers are heard, protected, and empowered, not punished.



Origins of the NWC: A Response to Retaliation


The NWC was founded by a group of whistleblower attorneys and advocates, including Stephen M. Kohn, Michael D. Kohn, and David K. Colapinto, who had seen firsthand how whistleblowers were often punished for doing the right thing. The organization emerged from legal battles involving FBI employees who were retaliated against for exposing misconduct.

Recognizing a systemic problem across federal and corporate structures, the NWC was created to defend whistleblowers, push for stronger legal safeguards, and shift public perception toward recognizing whistleblowers as essential to transparency and accountability.



What the NWC Does


The National Whistleblower Center engages in a wide range of activities designed to support and advance the rights of whistleblowers:



1. Legal Support and Strategic Litigation


The NWC provides legal resources and guidance to whistleblowers navigating complex laws and procedures. While it does not serve as a direct legal clinic, it works closely with the whistleblower law firm Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto LLP to offer referrals and support high-impact cases.


The Center has helped whistleblowers win major victories under laws such as:




2. Policy and Legislative Advocacy


The NWC has played a pivotal role in advocating for whistleblower protections at the national and international levels. The organization has:


  • Helped draft and pass key whistleblower legislation in Congress


  • Successfully pushed for the expansion of whistleblower reward programs, such as those administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS)


  • Advocated for the inclusion of whistleblower protections in anti-corruption treaties and global trade agreements


  • Advised lawmakers and agencies on best practices for protecting those who report wrongdoing



3. Public Education and Media Outreach


Changing the narrative around whistleblowing is a key part of the NWC’s mission. The Center works to:


  • Educate the public on the value of whistleblowers through reports, op-eds, and campaigns


  • Celebrate National Whistleblower Day (July 30) with events that honor the bravery and impact of truth-tellers


  • Share the stories of whistleblowers who have helped expose fraud, environmental violations, corporate misconduct, and national security abuses


  • Offer online resources for individuals who believe they have witnessed wrongdoing and are considering coming forward



4. International Whistleblower Advocacy


The NWC has increasingly turned its focus to the global stage, calling for stronger international protections for whistleblowers, especially those who expose environmental crimes, wildlife trafficking, corruption, or human rights violations. The organization works with international coalitions, NGOs, and institutions to promote whistleblower frameworks across jurisdictions.



Notable Successes


Over the decades, the National Whistleblower Center has contributed to significant legal and cultural shifts in how whistleblowers are treated. Some of its highlights include:


  • Helping secure multi-million-dollar whistleblower rewards through SEC and IRS programs


  • Playing a key role in the creation and defense of the Dodd-Frank whistleblower provisions


  • Supporting environmental whistleblowers who exposed violations of the Clean Air Act and illegal pollution


  • Filing amicus briefs in major federal court cases involving whistleblower retaliation and free speech


  • Leading efforts to protect the anonymity of whistleblowers and ensure they have access to counsel



Challenges Ahead


Despite its progress, the landscape for whistleblowers remains treacherous. Whistleblowers in both the public and private sectors continue to face retaliation, blacklisting, emotional distress, and career destruction. Many still struggle to navigate confusing legal systems or fear the consequences of speaking out.


The NWC remains committed to closing these gaps, focusing on more vigorous enforcement of existing laws, enhanced agency accountability, and expanded access to whistleblower protections across all sectors, including national security and intelligence.



A Lifeline for Truth-Tellers


In a society that often penalizes dissent, the National Whistleblower Center serves as both a shield and a megaphone for those who risk everything to tell the truth. Whether it’s uncovering financial fraud, exposing environmental devastation, or challenging corruption in the highest levels of government, whistleblowers are essential to transparency and justice.


The NWC exists to make sure they’re not alone.


As misinformation spreads and institutions grow more opaque, the role of the whistleblower and those who defend them has never been more critical. The National Whistleblower Center serves as a reminder that courage deserves protection and truth deserves a defender.

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