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Disability Rights Rhode Island

EIN 05-0373412 · Warwick, RI

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair52 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

TO ASSIST RHODE ISLANDERS WITH DIFFERING ABILITIES IN THEIR EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE FULL INCLUSION IN SOCIETY AND TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH THE PROVISION OF LEGAL ADVOCACY.

Income
$1.7 million
Spending
$1.7 million
Spent on programs
75%
Reserves
1.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 99%
Employees
18
Volunteers
10
Highest pay
$168,366, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 52 out of 100. Higher than 13% of charities in its peer group (civil rights, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 74% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 3% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    75% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 42% of charities in its peer group (civil rights, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 10 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $321,325 spent. PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS PROGRAM PROVIDES ADVOCACY TO REMEDY ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS WHO ARE RESIDENTS OF CERTAIN CARE AND TREATMENT FACILITIES (E.G., NURSING FACILITIES, COMMUNITY HOSPITALS, ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES, AND MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN). IN ADDITION, THE PROGRAM PROVIDES PROVIDE LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS RESIDING IN THE COMMUNITY.
  2. $340,243 spent. PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES PROVIDES ADVOCACY TO REMEDY ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND ASSISTANCE ACCESSING BENEFITS AND SERVICES (E.G., SPECIAL EDUCATION, DAY PROGRAMS, AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES).
  3. $108,848 spent. PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS PROGRAM PROVIDES ADVOCACY TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES WHO ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OTHER ADVOCACY PROGRAMS (E.G., INDIVIDUALS DISABLED AFTER THE AGE OF 22) AND WHO REQUIRE LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO OVERCOME DISCRIMINATION OR BARRIERS TO LIVING INDEPENDENTLY. ASSISTANCE WITH ACCESSING BENEFITS AND SERVICES, WITH EMPHASIS ON ENFORCEMENT OF RIGHTS UNDER FAIR HOUSING AND ANTIDISCRIMINATION LAWS, IS ALSO PROVIDED.
  4. $495,765 spent. CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PROVIDES ADVOCACY TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES APPLYING FOR OR RECEIVING SERVICES FROM VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION, INDEPENDENT LIVING, AND SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED. WE ALSO CAN ADVOCATE FOR THE EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS (TITLE I OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT) OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CLIENTS. THE FEDERAL ADMINISTERING AGENCY IS THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, REHABILITATIVE SERVICES ADMINISTRATION.ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM PROVIDES ADVOCACY TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES SEEKING ACCESS TO ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES AND SERVICES, WITH EMPHASIS ON OBTAINING FUNDING FROM VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION, SPECIAL EDUCATION, AND MEDICARE / MEDICAID.PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR BENEFICIARIES OF SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM PROVIDES ADVOCACY TO INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS WHO ARE SEEKING TO SECURE, MAINTAIN, OR REGAIN EMPLOYMENT, WITH EMPHASIS ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING ABOUT WORK INCENTIVES AND THE BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO BENEFICIARIES WHO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending September 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since March 1978.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.