Passes our checks

Black Leaders Detroit

EIN 84-2514445 · Detroit, MI

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

What it says it does

To provide financial support for diverse social and community impact projects originated and led by Detroiters of African descent.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 88% of charities in its peer group (employment, $1m to $10m).

Reserves
35 of 35
Spendable reserves would cover 12.5 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20
It owes 9% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15
Income exceeded spending by 34% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15
Income rose 7% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 15
70% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 11 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Good: 89 out of 100. Higher than 44% of charities in its peer group (employment, $1m to $10m).

Independent board
25 of 25
4 of 5 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
0 of 10
Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
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 December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (1)

$1.0 million spent. Black Leaders Detroit (BLD) issued $1,217,500 in no-interest loans and $362,000 in grants. BLD helped provide a significant financial boost to businesses and nonprofits owned by individuals of African Descent, which often struggle to access adequate funding. BLD proudly welcomed college interns to assist in the enhancement of our Rising Black Leaders programan entrepreneurial initiative designed to empower and invest in high school school scholars through transformative grants. We also celebrated the spirit of entrepreneurship with the EnterpreneuHERs Brunch, a high-energy, speed-dating style pitch competition that highlighted the dynamism and ingenuity of women entrepreneurs of African descent. BLD also spearheaded a series of activations throughout Detroit, promoting the importance of shopping local and supporting our vibrant Black business community. These initiatives are all part of our commitment to fueling creativity, innovation, and economic empowerment.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

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.
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.
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.
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 October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since September 2019.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.