Black Lives Matter Grassroots Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Only 27% of its spending went to programs.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
To support, sustain, empower, and uplift educational programs, mass mobilizations and national initiatives undertaken by local Black Lives Matter chapters to advance Black liberation.
- Income
- $1.5 million
- Spending
- $1.3 million
- Spent on programs
- 27%
- Reserves
- 11.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 6
- Highest pay
- $55,000, president
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 48% of charities in its peer group (civil rights, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 11.1 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 14% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 2621% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1527% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Weak: 35 out of 100. Higher than 2% of charities in its peer group (civil rights, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 254 of 5 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no 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
0 of 5Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
0 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
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, 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 (6)
- $174,325 spent. Rapid Response/Family Support - The Rapid Response/Family Support program was established to provide immediate, compassionate assistance to families facing racial abuse. Its core purpose is to stabilize vulnerable households by offering short-term relief such as emergency housing, food, childcare, and counseling services, while connecting them to long-term community resources. Over the past year, the program has successfully supported families, reducing the average time to secure safe shelter and essential services. By prioritizing dignity, speed, and cultural sensitivity, the initiative has become a trusted lifeline for families navigating moments of profound uncertainty.
- $88,250 spent. Communications - The Communications program serves as the connective tissue of the organization, ensuring that its mission, values, and impact are clearly and consistently conveyed across all platforms. Its purpose is to amplify community voices, mobilize support, and foster transparency through strategic messaging, media outreach, and storytelling. Over the past year, the program has expanded its digital footprint, launched multilingual campaigns, and built relationships with local and national media outletsresulting in a 60% increase in engagement and public awareness. By centering authenticity and accessibility, Communications transforms everyday updates into powerful narratives that inspire action and build trust.
- $63,729 spent. Political Education/Chapter Development - The Political Education/Chapter Development program is designed to cultivate informed, empowered leadership within grassroots communities by providing structured learning, mentorship, and organizational support. Its purpose is to deepen members understanding of civic engagement, policy advocacy, and social justice frameworks, while equipping chapters with the tools to mobilize effectively and sustainably. Through workshops, curriculum development, and peer-led forums, the program has helped launch active chapters nationwide, each rooted in local context but united by shared values and strategic goals. By fostering critical dialogue and collective action, it strengthens democratic participation and builds resilient networks for long-term change.
- $13,550 spent. Vanguard Scholarship - Provided educational scholarships to approximately 19 students as part of the Black Lives Matter Youth Vanguard Scholarship program.
- $4,416 spent. Justice and Support - Championing inclusion, advocating for justice, and standing in solidarity with victims of racial discrimination. It calls for creating safe spaces where diverse voices are heard, fighting systemic inequalities, and ensuring that those affected by racial injustice receive the support, recognition, and restitution they deserve. Through education, policy reform, and community-driven initiatives, the program work toward a society where every individual, regardless of race or background, is treated with dignity and respect.
- $3,365 spent. Black Women Are Divine A program dedicated to empowering Black women entrepreneurs, fostering growth, and unlocking boundless opportunities. This initiative is about more than just business, it is about creating a thriving network where Black women can access the resources, mentorship, and financial support needed to build sustainable and successful enterprises. Through leadership development, skill-building workshops, access to capital, and community-driven collaborations, Black Divine Women is committed to breaking barriers, championing economic equity, and celebrating the brilliance, resilience, and innovation of Black women in business. Its a call to action, a space for transformation, and a vision for a future where Black women entrepreneurs not only succeed but redefine industries.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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 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 November 6, 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 2025.
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 June 2023.
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 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.