Black Owned and Operated Community Land Trust Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Dedicated to empowering Black communities in Leimert Park and beyond focusing on economic resilience community stability self-governance and small business development. Integrating healing modalities art and cultural preservation the organization aims to acquire develop and preserve land and housing for low- to moderate-income individuals and families particularly in historically Black communities in Los Angeles. It promotes economic development prevents displacement and offers affordable housing and commercial space to support small businesses cultural programming and community self-governance. Activities include property acquisition tenant stabilization leadership training and partnerships for equitable development and cultural heritage preservation.
- Income
- $901,561
- Spending
- $396,692
- Spent on programs
- 58%
- Reserves
- -200.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 76%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 11
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
Weak: 40 out of 100. Higher than 10% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
2 of 20It owes 98% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 56% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 269% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 1558% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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
Good: 81 out of 100. Higher than 63% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 256 of 6 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Independent check of accounts
12 of 15Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (1)
- $230,000 spent. Community Business Stabilization & Support: Provides affordable and accessible commercial space to long-term small business owners focusing on those at risk of displacement. Offers lease education rent stabilization assistance and resources to strengthen business operations and sustainability. Black Business & Street Vendor Incubator: Supports Black-owned small businesses and independent street vendors through affordable retail opportunities permitting assistance technical training and marketing support. Helps vendors formalize operations increase income and connect to local markets while protecting cultural street economies. Cultural Corridor Preservation: Preserves and celebrates the historical and cultural legacy of Black communities in Los Angeles with a focus on Leimert Park Village. Supports arts music cultural events and heritage projects that reinforce community identity and pride. Community Land Stewardship & Activation: Stewards commercial properties and public spaces for perpetual community benefit. Activates spaces for markets pop-ups performances and events that generate economic opportunity and foster cultural expression. Equitable Development Partnerships: Works with public agencies philanthropic partners and private investors to design and implement projects that advance economic opportunity protect cultural identity and close racial wealth gaps-all while centering community voice. Community Relations & Engagement: Builds and maintains strong relationships among residents businesses street vendors cultural organizations and public agencies. Facilitates neighborhood meetings listening sessions and collaborative projects that strengthen trust resolve conflicts and promote shared goals for the communitys future.
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
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.
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? 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.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since September 2017.
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.