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Great North Innocence Project

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 412020362 ✦ Minneapolis, MN ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Great North Innocence Project?

The Great North Innocence Project is a nonprofit organization situated in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their primary mission is to assist individuals who have been wrongfully convicted, working diligently to screen countless requests each year. Their team, comprising lawyers, students, investigators, and volunteers, meticulously analyze cases to identify new evidence that could prove actual innocence. They litigate such cases and strive to improve the criminal legal system to prevent wrongful convictions. The organization also educates law students, courts, lawyers, and law enforcement officers on the causes and consequences of wrongful convictions and how to prevent them. Last year, they received numerous requests for assistance and screened over 75 cases, leading to the exoneration of one individual, Robert Kaiser, in May 2022. They also collaborate with state authorities to establish conviction review units and provide educational programs to law students and professionals.


Official website here: www.greatnorthinnocenceproject.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 95% (Four-Star out of Four Star rating)

The Great North Innocence Project has received a high rating of 95% from Charity Navigator, indicating a strong performance in accountability and financial health. The organization excels in various metrics, with an impressive accountability and finance score of 96 and a program expense ratio of 75.20%, suggesting that a significant portion of its resources is dedicated to its mission-related programs. Furthermore, the organization boasts perfect scores in constituent feedback collection and usage, reflecting its commitment to engaging and responding to the community it serves.

Strengths of the Great North Innocence Project include a fully independent board, which consists of 21 members, ensuring unbiased governance and oversight. The organization also demonstrates transparency and ethical practices, as evidenced by its adherence to several key policies, including conflict of interest and whistleblower protections. These attributes enhance trust among donors and stakeholders, further underscoring the nonprofit's credibility and operational integrity.

While the organization exhibits numerous strengths, it is important to continue monitoring its equity strategies, which received a score of 83 out of 100. This area may present opportunities for growth and improvement. Overall, the Great North Innocence Project appears to be a well-managed organization that effectively utilizes resources to advance its mission while maintaining high standards of accountability and community engagement.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Great North Innocence Project legitimate?

Great North Innocence Project is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Great North Innocence Project submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $122,027
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $361,957

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.greatnorthinnocenceproject.org

What is the mission statement of Great North Innocence Project?

The Great North Innocence Project's mission is focused on two main objectives: freeing individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and preventing future wrongful convictions. They achieve this by meticulously reviewing hundreds of requests for assistance annually and investing significant time in analyzing potential cases to identify new evidence that could prove actual innocence. The project litigates cases where such evidence is found and works to improve the criminal legal system to prevent wrongful convictions. Furthermore, they educate law students, legal professionals, and law enforcement officers on the causes and consequences of wrongful convictions, aiming to prevent them. Last year, they responded to numerous requests for information, investigated several cases, and had over 75 open cases in screening and investigation. A notable achievement was the exoneration of one client, Robert Kaiser, in May 2022. Additionally, they have collaborated with local authorities to establish a statewide Conviction Review Unit.


Official website here: www.greatnorthinnocenceproject.org

Who is the CEO of Great North Innocence Project?

John Hart is the Director of Great North Innocence Project.


Official website here: www.greatnorthinnocenceproject.org

What is the revenue of Great North Innocence Project?

Great North Innocence Project's revenue in 2022 was $828,237.


Official website here: www.greatnorthinnocenceproject.org

Who are the executives of Great North Innocence Project and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Great North Innocence Project during 2022 was $69,141. There are 7 employees and 45 volunteers at Great North Innocence Project.


Here are 21 key members and their salaries:


Jon M Hopeman (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Kingrey (Director/Co-Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Hart (Director/Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Christopher Madel (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Eileen Rice (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James Volling (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Timothy Walsh (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Laurie Eibensteiner (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lea Harpster (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kenneth Udoibok (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kevin Riach (Co-Chair/Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Beth Forsythe (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kaarin Nelson Schaffer (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jackie Cherryhomes-Tyler (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Manny Atwal (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jr Laplante (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Adam Martin (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rachel Bond (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tara Duginske (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lindsey Thomas Md (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sara Jones (Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $122,027
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $29,542


Official website here: www.greatnorthinnocenceproject.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Great North Innocence Project?

Great North Innocence Project's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.greatnorthinnocenceproject.org

Learn more at the official website: www.greatnorthinnocenceproject.org

Mission Statement of Great North Innocence Project

The Great North Innocence Project, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to rectifying wrongful convictions and preventing future miscarriages of justice in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Its primary objective is to exonerate individuals who have been falsely accused and incarcerated for crimes they did not commit. The organization accomplishes this through meticulous analysis of hundreds of requests for assistance each year, utilizing the collective efforts of its staff, law students, investigators, and volunteer attorneys.

The Great North Innocence Project's mission extends beyond individual casework. It is also committed to improving the criminal justice system to prevent wrongful convictions. The organization achieves this by educating law students, courts, lawyers, and law enforcement officers on the causes and consequences of wrongful convictions and how to prevent them. Last year, the project reached over 75 students through classes and clinics at law schools and provided community and continuing professional education to over 500 individuals.

In addition to its casework and educational initiatives, the Great North Innocence Project has advocated for reforms in the criminal legal systems of Minnesota and South Dakota. One significant achievement was partnering with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office to establish, implement, and provide ongoing support for a statewide Conviction Review Unit, providing an additional avenue for relief for individuals claiming wrongful convictions. The organization also successfully advocated for a law in North Dakota to study law enforcement practices regarding the recording of custodial interrogations.

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Impact




July, 2024

Great North Innocence Project has had a significant impact on the criminal justice system in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. By tirelessly working to free the wrongfully convicted and prevent future wrongful convictions, the organization has helped bring justice to individuals who have been wrongly imprisoned for crimes they did not commit.

Their dedicated team of staff, law students, investigators, and volunteer attorneys spend countless hours analyzing cases to determine if there is new evidence that could prove actual innocence. Through their efforts, they have successfully litigated cases where clear and convincing proof of innocence has been discovered.

In addition to their work in freeing the wrongfully convicted, Great North Innocence Project also focuses on improving the criminal legal system to prevent wrongful convictions in the future. They educate law students, courts, lawyers, and law enforcement officers on the causes and consequences of wrongful convictions and how to prevent them from occurring.

The impact of their work is evident in the number of individuals they have helped free, such as Robert Kaiser, who was released in 2022 after the organization successfully had his murder conviction vacated. Their collaboration with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office to establish a statewide Conviction Review Unit has provided another avenue for relief for those claiming wrongful convictions.

Furthermore, their advocacy efforts have led to positive changes in the criminal legal systems, including the passing of a law in North Dakota to study law enforcement practices regarding the recording of custodial interrogations. Through their educational initiatives and community outreach, Great North Innocence Project continues to make a meaningful impact in the fight against wrongful convictions and injustice.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Great North Innocence Project. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$828,237 (2022)
Expenses
$1,254,561 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $129
  • Gross Receipts: $906,549

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $1,332,920
  • Total Liabilities: $64,106
  • Net Assets: $1,268,814

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Organization Details

Founding Year

2001

Principal Officer

John Hart

Main Address

229 19TH AVENUE SOUTH SUITE 285, MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 55455

NTEE Category

Code: I80 - Crime

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