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African American Leadership Forum

EIN 47-2200830 · Minneapolis, MN

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak48 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Organization's mission is to create a radical future for Black Minnesotans by advancing Black-Centered policies and solutions that actualize true liberation.

Income
$2.3 million
Spending
$3.5 million
Spent on programs
60%
Reserves
3.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 93%
Employees
22
Volunteers
120
Highest pay
$264,385, chief executive officer

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 48 out of 100. Higher than 26% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 9% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 55% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 41% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    60% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 14 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 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 December 31, 2024, 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. $923,417 spent. Discourse, Design & Innovation: One of the biggest achievements of the work that has come out of the discourse, design, and innovation workstream was the launch and kickoff of Northside Forward, a comprehensive community development plan. It is what it looks like when development is not extraction, but restoration. In the heart of Minneapolis's Black community, The Forum convened over 150 Northside residents, elders, youth, visionaries, and builders to dream together and design what's next. The result: architectural renderings that reflect not just buildings, but belonging These are spaces imaged to hold joy, commerce, healing, and cultural pride. With aligned investment and policy partners now at the talbe, we are laying the foundation for a radically different model; one where Black communities shape the blueprint, own the assets, and define prosperity on their own terms.
  2. $701,040 spent. Research & Policy: In policy and research a major achievement was launching and having a full slate of the Policy Entrepreneur fellowship role on staff. This position cultivates the next generation of Black policy visionaries, leaders who speak from lived experience and move with strategy, precision, and boldness. These fellows were at the center of some of The Forum's most catalytic work: co-authoring publications now informing state proposals, leading testimony that challenged entrenched narratives, and shaping forums that birthed real-time legislative models. More than policy training, this fellowship is about shifting power, placing Black brilliance at the helm of systems redesign. It's how we ensure that public policy is not just about us, but authored by us.
  3. $466,098 spent. Leadership Development: The Josie R. Johnson Leadership Academy has been a living tribute to Black legacy and a forge for our future. It cultivates powerful, values-driven Black leaders who carry the vision, skills, and strategic clarity to reimagine systems and lead with integrity. The Academy experienced unprecedented momentum with a 24% rise in applicants and the strongest interest from emerging leaders between ages 25-44. These changemakers, rooted in education, entrepreneurship, and public service, engaged in a liberatory leadership journey that centered cultural knowledge, policy fluency and collective care. JRJLA is more than a program, it's a movement-building force, shaping the next generation of Black architects, organizers, and decision-makers.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

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

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since February 2016.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.