Brennan Center for Justice does not meet the following 1 Standards for Charity Accountability:
Standard 6 (Board Policy on Effectiveness)
Have a board policy of assessing, no less than every two years, the organization's performance and effectiveness and of determining future actions required to achieve its mission.
BCJ does not meet this Standard because:
- The board of directors does not have a written policy stating that, at least every two years, an appraisal be done assessing the organization’s performance and effectiveness and determining future actions required to achieve its mission.
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance requested but did not receive complete information from the organization and is unable to verify the organization's compliance with the following Standard(s) for Charity Accountability:
15
16
Brennan Center for Justice meets the remaining 17 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Brennan Center for Justice (BCJ) reports that it works to ensure that all Americans have an equal voice in elections by fighting barriers to participation, and by crafting reforms that expand access to the political process. The organization also reports that it works for a rational, effective, and fair justice system that will fulfill the nation's promise of equal justice for all while keeping the country safe. BCJ works to end mass incarceration and practices that unfairly target immigrants and communities of color. The organization also advocates for national security policies that respect constitutional value, and fights for a vision of the Constitution that upholds the rule of law and the rights of all Americans.
For the year ended June 30, 2018, Brennan Center for Justice's program expenses were:
| Democracy |
$4,861,391 |
| Communications |
$2,323,326 |
| Justice |
$2,229,786 |
| Fellows |
$1,565,869 |
| Liberty and national security |
$1,391,257 |
| Public policy and advocacy |
$429,250 |
| Total Program Expenses: |
$12,800,879 |
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Chief Executive
Michael Waldman, President
-
Compensation*
$451,866
-
Chair of the Board
Robert Atkins
-
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
-
Board Size
28
-
Paid Staff Size
116
*2017 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Invitations to fund raising events, Planned giving arrangements
Fundraising costs were 9% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $23,394,719, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on Brennan Center for Justice's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2018.
| Source of Funds |
| Grants, net |
$13,083,994 |
| Contributions |
$9,550,951 |
| In-kind services |
$8,718,492 |
| Special events, net |
$759,774 |
| Realized and unrealized net gains |
$225,385 |
| Interest and dividend income |
$84,401 |
| Legal fees recovered and other income |
$694 |
| Total Income |
$32,423,691 |
- Programs: 73%
- Administrative: 16%
- Fundraising: 11%
| Total Income |
$32,423,691 |
| Program expenses |
$12,800,879 |
| Fundraising expenses |
$2,080,144 |
| Administrative expenses |
$2,851,410 |
| Other expenses |
$0 |
| Total expenses: |
$17,732,433 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses |
$14,691,258 |
| Beginning Net Assets |
$21,429,503 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets |
$0 |
| Ending Net Assets |
$27,402,269 |
| Total Liabilities |
$5,148,591 |
| Total Assets |
$32,550,860 |
Note: According to the audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2018, BCJ received in-kind service income of $8,718,492 in the form of legal services.