American Civil Liberties Union of Washington Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO PROTECT AND EXTEND CIVIL LIBERTIES AND CIVIL RIGHTS, AND TO TAKE ACTION TO FURTHER THOSE LIBERTIES AND RIGHTS WITHIN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON.
- Income
- $15.6 million
- Spending
- $12.9 million
- Spent on programs
- 78%
- Reserves
- 15.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 70%
- Employees
- 63
- Volunteers
- 100
- Highest pay
- $271,757, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 72% of charities in its peer group (civil rights, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 15.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 17% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 24% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1578% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 11 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (civil rights, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 256 of 6 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 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)
- $2.3 million spent. Legal Program: The ACLU pursues impact litigation and files amicus briefs to uphold the Constitution and advance civil rights and civil liberties for all Washingtonians. We pursue cases that will effect widespread change, particularly those that impact communities historically most affected by racism and other forms of injustice in our society, whether in the areas of the criminal legal system, immigration rights, voting rights, LGBTQIA2S rights, unlawful surveillance, or access to health care.
- $1.5 million spent. Policy Advocacy Program: The ACLU works to educate policy makers and stakeholders, promote policies that advance civil liberties, and oppose those that are harmful to equity and freedom. We work to implement long-term, systemic change for all people. We provide legal and policy guidance to agencies and government bodies to ensure that constitutional rights are protected and upheld. Signature programs include technology & liberty; campaign for smart justice; youth policy; immigration and policing; and access to health care.
- $1.1 million spent. Communications Program: Educating the public is critical to defending civil liberties across the state. We engage the media to develop articles, frame issues, and influence opinions. We provide expert speakers on a wide range of civil liberties topics to schools and community groups, including know your rights trainings to support impacted communities ability to stand up for themselves. Through our member and public events, speakers bureau, and student outreach, the Communications Department rallies supporters, attracts new audiences, and empowers grassroots and other groups to promote civil rights.
- $5.1 million spent. REVENUE SHARING WITH NATIONAL ACLU ORGANIZATION
- Part III, Line 4e, Other Program Services: Revenue Sharing with ACLU National: Expenses $5,095,872; Grants $0; Program Service Revenue $0
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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 September 7, 2026.
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 September 30, 2026.
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 September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending March 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since September 1970.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
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 7, 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.