American College of Governance Counsel
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
MEMBERSHIP IN THE COLLEGE IS EXTENDED BY INVITATION ONLY TO LAWYERS WHO HAVE PRACTICED LAW FOR A MINIMUM OF 15 YEARS, WHILE DEVOTING AT LEAST 10 OF THOSE PRACTICE YEARS FOCUSED ON THE FIELD OF GOVERNANCE. FELLOWS SPEND A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF THEIR TIME IN BOARDROOMS ADVISING DIRECTORS IN A VARIETY OF CIRCUMSTANCES SUCH AS SHAREHOLDER ACTIVISM AND ENGAGEMENT, MANAGEMENT SUCCESSION, INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS, DISCLOSURE OBLIGATIONS, SHAREHOLDER LITIGATION, AND A BROAD RANGE OF REGULATORY AND GOVERNMENTAL MATTERS. MEMBERSHIP IN THE COLLEGE CURRENTLY INCLUDES 120 FELLOWS AND HONORARY FELLOWS.
- Income
- $151,840
- Spending
- $128,844
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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 (1)
- THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF GOVERNANCE COUNSEL IS A PROFESSIONAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND HONORARY ASSOCIATION OF LAWYERS WIDELY-RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF GOVERNANCE. THE MISSION OF THE COLLEGE IS TO PROMOTE A HIGH LEVEL OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AMONG GOVERNANCE LAWYERS ALONG WITH A BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND BROADER ADOPTION OF BEST PRACTICES WITHIN BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS.THROUGH ITS PROGRAMS, THE COLLEGE WILL ADDRESS THE MAJOR ISSUES FACING GOVERNANCE PRACTITIONERS AND THEIR CLIENTS INCLUDING SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT; DEVELOPING CHALLENGES TO TRADITIONAL MODELS OF GOVERNANCE; IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF RISKS; AND AN INCREASINGLY COMPLEX REGULATORY AND ENFORCEMENT ENVIRONMENT.MEMBERSHIP IN THE COLLEGE IS EXTENDED BY INVITATION ONLY TO LAWYERS WHO HAVE PRACTICED LAW FOR A MINIMUM OF 15 YEARS, WHILE DEVOTING AT LEAST 10 OF THOSE PRACTICE YEARS FOCUSED ON THE FIELD OF GOVERNANCE. FELLOWS SPEND A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF THEIR TIME IN BOARDROOMS ADVISING DIRECTORS IN A VARIETY OF CIRCUMSTANCES SUCH AS SHAREHOLDER ACTIVISM AND ENGAGEMENT, MANAGEMENT SUCCESSION, INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS, DISCLOSURE OBLIGATIONS, SHAREHOLDER LITIGATION, AND A BROAD RANGE OF REGULATORY AND GOVERNMENTAL MATTERS. MEMBERSHIP IN THE COLLEGE CURRENTLY INCLUDES 120 FELLOWS AND HONORARY FELLOWS.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)(6) business league.
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? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(6) business league as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 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 October 2015.
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.