Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

Japanese American Citizens League

EIN 94-6092719 · Sacramento, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong96 out of 100GovernanceFair62 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The JACL Sacramento Chapter is dedicated to securing and maintaining the civil rights of Japanese Americans JA and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry. We are committed to promoting cultural preservation community engagement and educating the public about the rich history and contributions of JAs.

Income
$185,285
Spending
$182,081
Spent on programs
93%
Reserves
48.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 51%
Employees
0
Volunteers
12

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

Strong: 96 out of 100. Higher than 85% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 48.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    93% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Fair: 62 out of 100. Higher than 40% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 8 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.

  • 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, 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 (4)
  1. $150,158 spent. The organization is fundraising to renovate the historic Nisei War Memorial Community Center formerly a vibrant hub for the Japanese American JA communitys cultural and social gatherings. The facility has been neglected for more than two decades requiring significant repairs and enhancements.
  2. $16,029 spent. Each year the organization awards 3-5 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to Sacramento County high school seniors. Awards are based on scholastic achievements community service and efforts in spreading the JA history and culture.
  3. $2,375 spent. The organization provides vital support to community-focused organizations by offering valuable resources and facilitating networking opportunities. It acknowledges and honors leaders dedicated to justice advocacy. Through the organizations exclusive networking events members are able to forge meaningful collaborations fostering growth within the sector. These initiatives collectively contribute to building a stronger and more connected community of organizations working towards positive social change.
  4. $320 spent. The organization is raising funds to erect a monument dedicated to the over 160,000 Japanese Americans incarcerated in wartime camps across the United States during World War II. The monument will consist of granite walls engraved with the names of the incarcerated Japanese Americans and interpretive educational panels.

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

  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 October 13, 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 November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Worth knowing.

    Not individually listed by the IRS as eligible, which is usual for local chapters covered by a parent organization's exemption. The master file records contributions to it as deductible.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since April 1964.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.