American Civil Liberties Union
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
TO PROTECT AND EXTEND CIVIL LIBERTIES AND CIVIL RIGHTS, AND TO TAKE ACTION TO FURTHER THOSE LIBERTIES AND RIGHTS WITHIN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON.
- Income
- $4.7 million
- Spending
- $3.4 million
- Employees
- 63
- Volunteers
- 100
- Highest pay
- $271,757, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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 (5)
- $1.1 million spent. The departments in our Integrated Advocacy program defend and expand civil rights and civil liberties through public policy engagement. The Political Strategies Department (PSD) develops and implements non-partisan political advocacy strategies to move decision makers on ACLU of Washingtons policy priorities. The department comprises ACLU-WAs legislative and field programs, including lobbying, coalition building, and activist engagement. PSD identifies individuals in positions to impact ACLU policy goals and works closely with the Communications Department, Policy Advocacy Group, and aligned community partners to plan and execute campaigns for the advancement of civil liberties and civil rights.
- $598,674 spent. The ACLU engages in public policy work at the local and state levels to promote freedom, equity and justice for all. ACLU experts provide legal and policy expertise to agencies and legislative bodies that are grappling with plans, policies, state rules, or legislation that impact civil rights and liberties. Our policy specialists focus on civil liberties in the areas of technology and privacy rights, youth, drug policy, health care, immigration, policing, and criminal justice. The ACLU is frequently invited by public officials to join as a stakeholder in policy development. Our legislative work is enhanced by advocacy strategies that engage and mobilize our supporters. We accomplish our work in coalition with community organizations and community members, especially those most directly impacted.
- $483,779 spent. Using traditional and new media, the ACLU-WA Communications Department provides information and ongoing education to our members and the public with respect to a wide scope of civil liberties issues and concerns. The ACLU-WA is in daily contact with media outlets to develop articles, frame issues and influence opinions. The Communications Department coordinates events, a speakers bureau, and student outreach. We publish a newsletter, maintain a web site, www.ACLU-WA.org, and engage supporters via a variety of social media channels.
- $513,465 spent. ANNUAL FUND REVENUE SHARING WITH NATIONAL AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION.
- FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4E OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES: REVENUE SHARING WITH NATIONAL ACLU $814,612
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)(4) social welfare 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? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(4) social welfare organization as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending March 2025.
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 December 1970.
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.