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New York Lawyers for the Public Interest Inc

EIN 13-2860703 · New York, NY

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood80 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

NYLPI'S MISSION IS TO ADVANCE EQUALITY AND CIVIL RIGHTS, WITH A FOCUS ON HEALTH JUSTICE, DISABILITY RIGHTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, THROUGH THE POWER OF COMMUNITY LAWYERING AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE PRIVATE BAR.

Income
$7.9 million
Spending
$7.8 million
Spent on programs
77%
Reserves
8.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 74%
Employees
41
Volunteers
1,061
Highest pay
$326,706, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 80 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 8.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 40% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 51% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    77% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 8 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    52 of 52 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

    10 of 10

    Gave 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 May 31, 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 (5)
  1. $2.6 million spent. NYLPI's Disability Justice Program works to achieve equality of opportunity, self-determination, and independence for people with disabilities. Our advocacy spans community integration, criminal justice, educational rights, equal access to programs and services, and accessible housing. We use a wide range of advocacy tools, including community organizing, coalition-building, individual representation, impact litigation, and legislative advocacy.
  2. $1.1 million spent. NYLPI's Environmental Justice Program fights environmental racism, works to eliminate the unfair burden of environmental hazards borne by low-income communities and communities of color, and seeks to create a more equitable and sustainable New York. In partnership with community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and residents, our Environmental Justice team builds campaigns, launches litigation, and shapes policy. We support local leadership and strengthen communities' ability to assert their right to a healthy and sustainable environment.
  3. $1.5 million spent. NYLPI's Health Justice Program brings a racial equity and immigrant justice focus to health care advocacy in New York City and State. We address the human rights crisis in immigration detention; operate a medical-legal-community partnership to increase access to healthcare in immigration detention; connect uninsured immigrants with serious health conditions to Medicaid; advocate for healthcare coverage for all New Yorkers; attack dangerous housing conditions; and seek alternatives to police intervention for people experiencing mental health crises. We believe health justice impacts all parts of New Yorkers' lives.
  4. $808,395 spent. Pro Bono Program
  5. NYLPI's Pro Bono Clearinghouse provides community groups, nonprofit organizations, and individuals with free legal assistance by drawing on hundreds of volunteer lawyers from New York's most prestigious law firms and corporate law departments. The Clearinghouse leverages the resources of the private bar to co-counsel impact litigation, expand services to low-income clients through partnership projects, secure appropriate educational services for students with special needs, and encourage pro bono service throughout the legal community. The Clearinghouse strengthens communities by providing innovative and effective nonprofit organizations with free legal services from the private bar. It helps nonprofits and community groups thrive by providing resources that help organizations overcome legal obstacles, build capacity, and develop stronger and more effective programs. Through educational workshops, trainings for nonprofit leaders, individual counseling and a series of publications, the Clearinghouse is at the forefront of helping nonprofits maximize their performance and their impact on our community.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 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 May 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 May 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.