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Forward Justice

EIN 81-2450800 · Morrisville, NC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceFair69 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

FORWARD JUSTICE IS A NONPARTISAN LAW POLICY AND STRATEGY CENTER DEDICATED TO ADVANCING RACIAL SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE.

Income
$7.7 million
Spending
$4.5 million
Spent on programs
71%
Reserves
19.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 69%
Employees
26
Volunteers
35
Highest pay
$203,694, co-director

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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 90% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 19.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 4% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 42% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 69% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    71% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 8 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

Fair: 69 out of 100. Higher than 16% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    4 of 4 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

    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

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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. $904,915 spent. The organization conducted trainings to equip community members with the information skills tools and resources needed to effectively organize and build power within their communities. The organization coordinated and facilitated the Second Chance Day of Advocacy during which directly impacted individuals and community advocates met with state lawmakers to discuss the causes and consequences of involvement with the criminal legal system. The program advanced public awareness and policy discussions aimed at expanding opportunity and reducing barriers for people with criminal records. The organization hosted the Peoples Convening on Fines and Fees a community-centered forum examining the impact of criminal legal fines and fees on low-income individuals
  2. $305,040 spent. The organization hosted Transformative Justice events and community dinners designed to build community deepen trust and create spaces for collective care healing reflection and shared strategizing. These gatherings supported relationship-building and strengthened community capacity to practice transformative justice. The organization facilitated the Man in the Mirror mens dinner and discussion series which provided a structured environment for participants to explore the complexities of manhood community accountability emotional wellbeing and healing. The series offered opportunities for dialogue reflection and personal and collective growth. The organization organized and amplified seven days of free community events in celebration of Kwanzaa in collaboration with SpiritHouse NC. The events promoted cultural education artistic expression and community connection while honoring the principles and traditions of Kwanzaa.
  3. $1.9 million spent. The organization lead the statewide protect our vote coalition including voter and election protection through legal cases policy advocacy and statewide tours. Voter protection hotlines provided real-time assistance information and advocacy for voters experiencing barriers at the polls. The organization conducted the Unlock Our Vote peer-to-peer voter engagement program reaching directly impacted voters through phone calls text outreach and in-person events. The initiative expanded civic participation by providing accurate voting information and supporting voter readiness. The organization supported the Long March for Unity and Justice with the Beloved Community Center helping to uplift community concerns strengthen solidarity across groups and mobilize residents toward collective action and social transformation. The organization provided voter protection and community-based support work to end poverty across the U.S. South.

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 September 2018.

    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.