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American Judicature Society

EIN 47-2942536 · Honolulu, HI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong92 out of 100GovernanceWeak24 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The mission of the American Judicature Society (AJS) is to secure and promote an independent and qualified judiciary and a fair system of justice. AJS is the only non-profit in Hawaii with this singular mission and it is not affiliated with any government entity or professional organization. It approaches issues in an objective, fact-based, and non-partisan manner which is important to stem the loss of faith and basic knowledge of the judicial branch of government, a foundational pillar of the U.S. democracy.

Income
$194,433
Spending
$122,758
Spent on programs
55%
Reserves
17.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 65%
Employees
0
Volunteers
39
Highest pay
$48,000, vice president

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

Financial health

Strong: 92 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 17.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 37% of income.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    55% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

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

Governance

Weak: 24 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    0 of 39 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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, 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 (4)
  1. $5,949 spent. Sidebar Program. AJS sponsors an annual event, called the Sidebar Program, which offers a unique opportunity to observe a moderated discussion of issues and challenges faced by young attorneys, as analyzed by a panel of distinguished judges. The Sidebar Program promotes networking and small-group discussions with the judges. Summer associates and young lawyers are encouraged to participate in this informative program.
  2. $42,967 spent. Completed project focused on civics education with three primary goals - (1) enhancing public understanding of the judiciary's role in a democratic society; (2) inspiring students and young professionals to pursue careers as judges; and (3) strengthening the organization's framework.
  3. $12,500 spent. Completed "Impacts of Artificial Intelligence Upon the Judiciary" project
  4. $6,086 spent. Started judicial vacancies study in 2025.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 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 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 2025.

    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 2015.

    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.