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Japanese American Citizens League

EIN 52-6078288 · Manhattan Bch, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

As a 501c3 nonprofit charitable organization the JACL DC Chapter champions and advocates for the Japanese American Asian Pacific Islander American APIA and civil rights communities through advocacy education and leadership development. It is based within the Washington DC area and includes Maryland and Virginia residents. JACL-DC is a chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League. It is the nations oldest and largest Asian American Pacific Islander civil rights organization. Its mission is to secure and safeguard the civil and human rights of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and all communities who are affected by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American Community. JACL is composed of over 100 chapters across the nation and one in Japan divided into seven district councils.

Income
$100,149
Spending
$71,663
Reserves
38.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 72%

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. 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. Rating method 2026.2. 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. 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. $59,867 spent. The Graphic Novel. JACL DC developed and published a graphic novel "But Where Are You REALLY From?" to educate students about Japanese American history identity and civil rights. The publication was created in partnership with community organizations and is used in local school curricula as part of the organizations educational mission. This book has been distributed to school districts libraries and individuals interested in Japanese American history.
  2. $5,712 spent. Mochitsuki is a significant social event often taking place in December leading up to the New Year. It is a way for the community to come together work and celebrate the traditions of our heritage. Eating mochi is associated with gaining strength and good fortune for the coming year. In 2024 over 225 people attended the event and participated in the rhythmic pounding and shaping of the mochi. The process involves soaking and steaming sweet rice pounding it in a large mortar with a wooden mallet and then forming it into small cakes often for New Years celebrations.
  3. $513 spent. Every summer the JACL DC Chapter holds its annual picnic to build community cohesion and increase education regarding civil rights. Members and non-members are invited to attend and encouraged to bring a pot-luck dish to share with others. Chapter board members serve as grill masters and serve teriyaki chicken hot dogs and hamburgers. Games relays and other activities are included. At this event over 150 people attended.

Source: Form 990EZ 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 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? Worth knowing.

    Not individually listed by the IRS as eligible, which is usual for local chapters covered by a parent organization's exemption. The master file records contributions to it as deductible.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, 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 December 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 December 1966.

    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.