Peace Brigades International
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
PBI works to open a space for peace in which conflicts can be dealt with non-violently. We use a strategy of international presence and concern that supports local initiatives and contributes to developing a culture of peace and justice. We act on request of local non-violent groups working for human rights and social change in regions where there is oppression and conflict.
- Income
- $2.4 million
- Spending
- $2.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 75%
- Reserves
- 4.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 63%
- Employees
- 1
- Volunteers
- 291
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: 70 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (international, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 4.5 months of spending.
Debt
5 of 20It owes 54% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 8% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1575% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 9 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: 84 out of 100. Higher than 37% of charities in its peer group (international, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 257 of 7 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a 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
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, 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 (5)
- $751,204 spent. COLOMBIA PROJECT: In 2024, Colombia made notable strides in implementing the 2016 Peace Agreement, particularly with the establishment of the Agrarian Jurisdiction and the National Reincorporation System. Additionally, the adoption of the Public Policy to Dismantle Criminal Conducts and Organizations marked a significant institutional advancement. These developments reflect a commitment to fulfilling the peace accord's objectives. However, substantial challenges remain, especially regarding the full implementation of the agreement's Ethnic Chapter, which continues to face delays and insufficient progress. Simultaneously, the Total Peace Policy, aimed at achieving broader national reconciliation, is under intense scrutiny due to its limited tangible outcomes amid ongoing humanitarian crises. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), following its April 2024 visit to Colombia, highlighted the resurgence and reconfiguration of armed conflict as a critical factor exacerbating violence. The IACHR emphasized that the expansion of non-state armed groups and their control over territories significantly contribute to the threats and violence faced by social and community leaders, particularly those from Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and peasant communities, as well as members of social movements and trade unions. This renewed conflict has led to severe humanitarian consequences across various regions. In 2024 alone, there were 76 reported massacres resulting in 267 victims, according to Indepaz. The violence has manifested in multiple forms, including forced displacement, community confinement, forced recruitment of youth, silencing of dissent, subjugation, and sexual violence. These human rights violations have disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, especially in rural and marginalized areas. Peace Brigades International (PBI), through its field presence, has documented the profound impact of this violence on ethnic and peasant communities. Their observations span several regions and organizations, including CAHUCOPANA in Northeastern Antioquia, the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó, and Afro-descendant and Indigenous communities residing in the Humanitarian and Biodiversity Zones of Bajo Atrato and Cacarica. Other affected groups include the Association for Integral Sustainable Development of La Perla Amazónica (ADISPA) in Putumayo, Community Councils representing Afro-Colombian populations in rural Buenaventura (Valle del Cauca), the Association of Small-Scale Farmers of the Cimitarra River Valley (ACVC) in Magdalena Medio, and the Peasant Association of Catatumbo (ASCAMCAT). These communities continue to face the brunt of the conflict's resurgence, often caught between competing armed actors vying for territorial dominance. Despite the government's peace initiatives, the lack of security guarantees and the persistence of violence undermine trust in the peace process and hinder the reintegration and development efforts envisioned in the 2016 accord. In conclusion, while 2024 saw institutional progress in Colombia's peacebuilding efforts, the resurgence of armed conflict and the humanitarian toll it exacts on vulnerable communities underscore the urgent need for more effective implementation of peace policies. Addressing the root causes of violence, ensuring the safety of community leaders, and fulfilling the commitments of the Ethnic Chapter are essential steps toward achieving lasting peace and justice in Colombia.
- $417,008 spent. GUATEMALA PROJECT: A team of an average of 9,15 international volunteers per month accompanied 314 human rights defenders working on environment and land rights, impunity, and globalization. The project provided 264 accompaniments, conducted 34 visits and meetings with human rights defenders to provide moral support and practical advice on their protection needs, and facilitated 7 workshops on protection strategies for 172 human rights defenders. Volunteers are based in Guatemala City and travel to other areas of the country.
- $305,016 spent. PBI Honduras: A team of an average of 6 international volunteers per month accompanied 175 human rights defenders working on Business and human rights; Land, territory and environment; LGBTQI; Freedom of expression and association; Migration, refugees, internal displacement; Women and gender rights; Indigenous peoples; Impunity, justice and criminalization. The project provided 213 accompaniments and facilitated 16 days of workshops on protection strategies for 87 human rights defenders. The project conducted 55 visits and meetings with national and international authorities, participated in 70 meetings with organizations, and coordinated international tours for 5 human rights defenders. Volunteers are based in Tegucigalpa and travel to other areas of Honduras.
- $222,210 spent. PBI MEXICO: In 2024, PBI Mexico reaffirmed its commitment to the comprehensive protection, visibility, and legitimacy of human rights defenders through the dedicated efforts of 12 international volunteers and a permanent staff of 7. The year marked a period of strategic restructuring and territorial consolidation, significantly enhancing the organization's responsiveness and operational capacity. A key milestone was the opening of a new headquarters in Cuernavaca, Morelos, which now serves as a centralized hub for regional teams. From this base, mobile teams provide accompaniment in Michoacán, Morelos, Puebla, Sonora, Oaxaca, and Chihuahua-improving response times, team safety, and direct engagement with defenders. In Sonora, PBI transitioned from an exploratory phase to active field accompaniment. This vast and challenging region, characterized by harsh climate, large Indigenous populations, and minimal international presence, aligns closely with PBI's focus on land defense and combating enforced disappearances. PBI Mexico also expanded its collaboration networks. It began formal accompaniment of the Committee of Relatives of the Detained and Disappeared "Hasta Encontrarlos," following a Supreme Court mandate to search for two men who disappeared in 2007. New partnerships were also established with the Yoreme Alliance-working to protect territory, culture, and the Yoremnokki language-and with Ejido El Bajío, engaged in a decade-long legal struggle against mining operations. Two major initiatives stood out in the areas of security and advocacy. First, a participatory workshop in Cuernavaca brought together defenders from Michoacán,
- $72,003 spent. INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT (ISEC): In 2024, ISEC provided ongoing coordination and support to the global organization oversaw strategic planning and development, ensured that PBI met its external legal, financial and compliance obligations, and coordinated global communications, fundraising and advocacy strategies.
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 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? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(3) charitable organization as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, 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 August 1983.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Caution.
California's Attorney General lists its registration as revoked as of December 31, 1990. Organizations on this list may not solicit donations in California.
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.