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Institute for Black Justice

EIN 85-2866010 · Tacoma, WA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceWeak36 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Institute for Black Justice purpose is to relentlessly pursue equity and justice for all with people of Black African descent as our first priority. The IBJs mission is three-fold: to be an advocate for fairness and equity; to be an accelerator of justice system transformation; and to be an accomplice to credible social justice influencers and the communities they serve.

Income
$582,535
Spending
$327,508
Spent on programs
85%
Reserves
2.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 92%
Employees
0
Volunteers
21
Highest pay
$15,500, director of advocacy

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

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 47% of charities in its peer group (civil rights, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 3% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 44% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 67% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    85% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 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

Weak: 36 out of 100. Higher than 5% of charities in its peer group (civil rights, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    0 of 25

    1 of 2 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 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 (2)
  1. $142,908 spent. See Schedule O.
  2. $135,962 spent. Advocacy and Community Education Programs: In 2024 IBJ expanded its Advocacy and Community Education Programs to engage broader audiences influence public policy and strengthen community access to justice. The Black Robe Podcast produced over 25 new episodes offering intergenerational dialogue on legal and policy issues impacting communities of color. Through guest interviews and timely discussions the podcast served as a hub for civic education and public discourse. Additionally IBJ hosted a range of community events and learning forums through the IBJ Institute further deepening engagement with youth families and justice system stakeholders. A major milestone in 2024 was the launch of Unlocking Justice a new civil legal aid initiative designed to expand access for individuals and families historically harmed by racial discrimination in the criminal justice system. In collaboration with community organizations members of the Pierce County Minority Bar and nonprofit and private law firms the program supports legal relief related to drug possession convictions-specifically vacating eligible criminal convictions eliminating legal financial obligations and restoring civil rights. Phase I of the program focused on Pierce County residents with Phase II set to expand services statewide. Unlocking Justice is aligned with the Community Reinvestment Act CRA priorities and is building a statewide network of legal professionals committed to racial equity in civil legal aid.

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 March 2021.

    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.

  7. Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.

    A much larger organization has a similar name: Institute for Justice (Arlington, VA), EIN 52-1744337. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 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.