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The Michigan Center for Civic Education

EIN 38-3052907 · Lansing, MI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood78 out of 100GovernanceFair51 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To promote and support the development of engaged, responsible citizens.

Income
$312,428
Spending
$326,040
Spent on programs
67%
Reserves
4.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 84%
Employees
0
Volunteers
250
Highest pay
$100,000, executive dir.

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

Financial health

Good: 78 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 4% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    67% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

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

Governance

Fair: 51 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    20 of 20 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 June 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 (3)
  1. $119,334 spent. We The People - A K-12+ program that enhances students' understanding of American constitutional democracy and helps them to understand the contemporary relevance of the Constitution including the Bill of Rights. Culminating activities are simulated congressional hearings where students Testify before a panel of community members Lawyers, judges, civic leaders, educators. The program provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles while engaging in meaningful dialogue around important civic questions. Programs may include professional learning, district events, state showcases, and support of the national We The People events. We The People includes the work of the We The People: Civics That Empowers All Students CEAS research program. The goal of this program is to advance We The People within the 4th-8th grades and is specific program sponsored by a research grant from the U.S. Department of Education to the Center Education and Georgetown University.
  2. $64,314 spent. MI High School Mock Trial Tournament - High schools students transform themselves into attorneys and witnesses to enact trials using civil and/or criminal case materials. Students compete against other schools in real courtrooms in front of legal professionals. Program consists of: Development of case materials, mock trial clinics, numerous regional events, a state showcase, and aids in the work of the national high school mock trial. Mock trial includes courtroom illustrations and artistry plus courtroom journalism.
  3. $34,643 spent. Outreach - THE MICHIGAN CENTER FOR CIVIC EDUCATION'S OUTREACH SERVES TO BRING IN CHAMPIONS OF CIVIC EDUCATION TO ADVANCE THE AWARENESS OF AND PROMOTION OF CIVIC AND LAW-RELATED EDUCATION. IN ORDER TO CREATE AWARENESS, THE CENTER PROVIDES COMMUNITY SESSIONS TO LEARN ABOUT THE PROGRAMMING AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY THE CENTER. OUTREACH INCLUDES CONFERENCES, PUBLIC MEETINGS, AND LEARNING SESSIONS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION AND CENTER PROGRAMS TO A WIDE VARIETY OF STAKEHOLDERS. OUTREACH ALSO INCLUDES WORK WITH THE MICIVICS COALITION TO ADVANCE CIVIC AND LAW RELATED EDUCATION IN MICHIGAN.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 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 June 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 July 1993.

    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.