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Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy Inc

EIN 56-1202940 · Charlotte, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak40 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy provides civil legal representation to meet basic human needs of safety, security and stability. Our mission is to provide justice for those in need.During FY2025, we worked on 13,537 cases and shared information about our services to 28,579 people.(4,179 cases + 49 fingerprinting clients + 7,723 Ombudsman cases + 1,586 Navigator apts)

Income
$4.8 million
Spending
$6.1 million
Spent on programs
82%
Reserves
0.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 48%
Employees
93
Volunteers
186
Highest pay
$137,710, interim ceo

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

Weak: 40 out of 100. Higher than 7% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 25% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 28% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 22% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    82% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 8 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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 57% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    24 of 24 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 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 (5)
  1. $2.0 million spent. Family Support and Health Care ProgramThis program advocates for children, seniors, people living with disabilities, immigrants and veterans to get the health care, public benefits and services they need. During the year, we worked on 721 1,108 cases and helped families access critical benefits like food stamps, Medicaid, and Social Security. Within this program, the Health Insurance Navigators provide clarity, guidance and peace of mind for those seeking unbiased help choosing the right coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov or by applying for Medicaid. The Navigators completed 1,704 1,586 appointments, enrolling 487 510 individuals in Medicaid or Marketplace plans; provided post-enrollment assistance to 213 219 consumers, and served diverse communities with support in English, Spanish, ASL, and other languages. We are a part of the NC Medicaid Ombudsman Program, and we advocate for people with NC Medicaid to get the care they need and to help them navigate the new environment by providing free, confidential services. The Advocacy Centers Ombudsmen worked on 7,723 cases, with 6,588 being served through issue resolution and referrals.
  2. $1.5 million spent. Immigrant Justice ProgramThis program offers legal services to protect immigrants and their families, regardless of immigration status. During the year, we provided services to 230 1,129 immigrant children/families, and we assisted 280 474 people in the Pro Bono Room of Charotte's Immigration Court (two days a week, four hours each day).
  3. $781,551 spent. Consumer Protection ProgramThis program protects consumers from fraudulent practices that can take away a family home, income and transportation. During the year, we provided legal representation and advice to 185 428 cases involving foreclosure, debt, homeownership issues, criminal record expunctions, drivers license restoration, property tax relief and financial empowerment. The Veterans Legal Services Project helped 202 veterans build security for themselves and their families.
  4. $464,006 spent. Low-Income Tax Clinic/Legal Services for the ElderlyThe Low-Income Tax Clinic Program helps taxpayers understand and manage their tax issues. During the year, they represented 151 141 taxpayers before the IRS and state tax agencies. The Legal Services for the Elderly Program assisted in 101 131 cases for seniors to make their own plans and decisions on end-of-life issues.
  5. $241,764 spent. Pro Bono ProgramThis program provides comprehensive training and support to place cases with professional attorneys, allowing us to provide services to more people for unmet legal needs. During the year, we provided 2,230 hours of free legal representation for 442 cases, with the support of 321 dedicated volunteers.

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 November 6, 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 March 1979.

    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 November 4, 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.