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The Commons Law Center

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

EIN: 812672973 ✦ Portland, OR ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is The Commons Law Center?

The Commons Law Center, located in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underprivileged residents of Oregon by providing them with essential legal resources and support. With a mission to revolutionize access to basic legal services, the center offers community legal education, practical training for lawyers and law students, and sliding-scale legal services to income-qualified individuals. Their efforts have been instrumental in assisting more than 390 renters in understanding their rights, responsibilities, and community assistance options. Since re-launching their program, they have received over 780 inquiries and provided legal advice to 236 individuals, taking on 57 cases for representation or targeted legal advice. The organization serves clients from various counties across Oregon, with a significant number hailing from Multnomah County.


Official website here: www.thecommonslawcenter.org/

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 73%, earning a Two-Star out of Four Star rating. The Commons Law Center has demonstrated strengths in governance, with a fully independent board and no reported material diversion of assets. The organization scores well in financial health, maintaining a high program expense ratio of 76.59%, indicating that a significant portion of its funds is directed towards its programs.

However, the organization has notable limitations in its accountability and transparency practices. It is missing key policies such as a whistleblower policy and a document retention and destruction policy, which can impact trust among stakeholders. Additionally, the nonprofit has not posted its tax form on its website, which is a critical aspect of financial transparency.

Overall, while The Commons Law Center shows strong financial management and governance, the absence of certain policies and transparency measures may raise concerns among potential donors and supporters. Addressing these gaps could enhance its overall rating and public perception.


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

Is The Commons Law Center legitimate?

The Commons Law Center is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. The Commons Law Center 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: $76,369
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $536,560

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.thecommonslawcenter.org/

What is the mission statement of The Commons Law Center?

The Commons Law Center's mission is to revolutionize access to fundamental legal services, information, and support for underserved individuals in Oregon. They achieve this by providing community legal education, practicing training for lawyers and law students, and offering sliding-scale legal services to income-qualified people. The organization's activities include assisting renters in understanding their rights, responsibilities, and community assistance options. Since re-launching their program, they have received numerous inquiries and provided legal advice to a significant number of individuals, taking on representation or offering targeted legal advice for 57 clients. Their services have reached individuals from various counties across Oregon.


Official website here: www.thecommonslawcenter.org/

Who is the CEO of The Commons Law Center?

Kamron Graham is the Executive Dir/Secretary of The Commons Law Center.


Official website here: www.thecommonslawcenter.org/

What is the revenue of The Commons Law Center?

The Commons Law Center's revenue in 2022 was $1,045,964.


Official website here: www.thecommonslawcenter.org/

Who are the executives of The Commons Law Center and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at The Commons Law Center during 2022 was $26,649. There are 23 employees and 10 volunteers at The Commons Law Center.


Here are 8 key members and their salaries:


Amanda Caffall (Executive Dir/Secretary)
  • Compensation: $55,244
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $5,125
Kimberly Pray (Board Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Grant (Board President)
  • Compensation: $16,000
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lewis Landerholm (Board Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Carlotta Alverson (Board Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tom Brim (Board Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jim Dwyer (Board Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Fallon Niedrist (Board Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.thecommonslawcenter.org/

Where can I find the form 990 for The Commons Law Center?

The Commons Law Center's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.thecommonslawcenter.org/

Learn more at the official website: www.thecommonslawcenter.org/

Mission Statement of The Commons Law Center

The Commons Law Center, a nonprofit organization, is committed to revolutionizing access to fundamental legal services, information, and support for underserved Oregonians. Their mission is to bridge the gap in legal aid, providing community legal education, practicing training for lawyers and law students, and offering sliding-scale legal services to income-qualified individuals. The organization recognizes the lack of tenant defense lawyers in Oregon and has taken it upon itself to assist over 390 renters, advising them on their rights, responsibilities, and community assistance options. Since relaunching their program, The Commons has received 786 inquiries via phone and web submission, offered legal advice to 236 individuals, and taken on 57 clients for representation or targeted legal advice. Their clients hail from 17 counties across Oregon, with a significant portion originating from Multnomah County. The Commons Law Center's mission is instrumental in ensuring that Oregonians, particularly those in need, have access to the legal aid they require.

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Impact




July, 2024

The Commons Law Center in Portland, Oregon is making a significant impact by providing community legal education, practicing training for lawyers and law students, and offering sliding scale legal services to income-qualified individuals. One key area of impact is in tenant defense, where Oregon faces a shortage of defense lawyers. The Commons Law Center has assisted over 390 renters by educating them on their rights, responsibilities, and community assistance options. Since relaunching the program, they have received 786 inquiries and provided legal advice to 236 people while taking on 57 clients for representation or targeted legal advice. This impact has reached across 26 counties in Oregon, with a significant percentage of clients coming from Multnomah county. Their mission is to revolutionize access to basic legal services, information, and support for underserved Oregonians, making a tangible difference in the community.




This information is meant to be a general summary of The Commons Law Center. 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
$1,045,964 (2022)
Expenses
$932,249 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Investment Income: $1,145
  • Program Service Revenue: $501,097
  • Gross Receipts: $1,045,964

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $331,240
  • Total Liabilities: $86,000
  • Net Assets: $245,240

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

FEES FOR LEGAL SERVICE

Revenue

$496,563

ADJUNCT LEGAL TEACHING

Revenue

$4,534

Organization Details

Founding Year

2016

Principal Officer

Kamron Graham

Main Address

PO BOX 16520, PORTLAND, OR, 97292

NTEE Category

Code: B60 - Education

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