Overview
What is Initiate Justice?
Initiate Justice is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, California, with a mission to empower individuals directly affected by mass incarceration to lead the charge in dismantling this system. They employ an inside-outside strategy, engaging with prisoners through workshops, mailings, and training within prison walls, and maintaining a strong community presence through monthly meetings and committees. By providing newsletters to over 46,000 incarcerated members and 300 inside organizers, they keep their community informed about legislative changes and prison policies. Their latest initiative is the "Abolition is for Everybody Podcast," which features conversations led by system-impacted co-hosts, aiming to connect the grassroots work of Initiate Justice with broader abolitionist theories and engaging new audiences in the conversation about prison reform and abolition. With a team of 14 dedicated individuals, Initiate Justice envisions a California free from mass criminalization, where communities are healthy and economically empowered.
Official website here: www.initiatejustice.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: Needs Improvement
Initiate Justice has received a Two-Star out of Four Star rating from Charity Navigator, with an overall score of 73%. The organization shows strong governance with a majority of independent board members and a solid liabilities to assets ratio. Additionally, it has effectively managed its program expenses, dedicating over 71% of its budget to its programs, which reflects a commitment to its mission.
However, there are notable areas for improvement, particularly in transparency and accountability. The organization has not provided financial statements, which significantly impacts its rating, and it is missing key policies such as a whistleblower policy and document retention policy. Furthermore, while the website is listed on the tax form, the absence of the tax form on its site could hinder donor trust and accessibility to financial information.
Overall, while Initiate Justice demonstrates effective program spending and governance structure, there are critical gaps in transparency that need to be addressed to enhance accountability and trust among stakeholders.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Initiate Justice legitimate?
Initiate Justice is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Initiate Justice 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: $93,057
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $756,620
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.initiatejustice.org
What is the mission statement of Initiate Justice?
Initiate Justice's mission is centered around empowering individuals directly affected by mass incarceration. By providing direct outreach and training, they cultivate organizers within both prison facilities and outside communities. Their primary focus is on reducing prison populations and enhancing the human rights of those currently imprisoned. They envision a future California that boasts thriving and economically strong communities, free from the prevalence of mass criminalization.
Official website here: www.initiatejustice.org
Who is the CEO of Initiate Justice?
Taina Vargas is the Pres. & Bd Mbr of Initiate Justice.
Official website here: www.initiatejustice.org
What is the revenue of Initiate Justice?
Initiate Justice's revenue in 2022 was $1,995,677.
Official website here: www.initiatejustice.org
Who are the executives of Initiate Justice and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Initiate Justice during 2022 was $60,691. There are 14 employees and 173 volunteers at Initiate Justice.
Here are 7 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $66,404
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $26,653
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
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- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
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- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
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- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
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- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
Official website here: www.initiatejustice.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Initiate Justice?
Initiate Justice's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.initiatejustice.org
Learn more at the official website: www.initiatejustice.org
Mission Statement of Initiate Justice
Initiate Justice is a mission-driven organization that aims to empower individuals directly affected by mass incarceration. Their objective is to activate these individuals as leaders in the crusade to dismantle the system of mass incarceration. They accomplish this by undertaking direct outreach and providing training programs, both inside and outside of prisons. These initiatives help cultivate organizers who are passionate about reducing prison populations and enhancing the human rights of those currently incarcerated.
Initiate Justice envisions a future California where communities are thriving and free from oppressive criminalization practices. Their vision encompasses the economic empowerment and overall well-being of these communities, which they believe can only be achieved by dismantling the mass incarceration system. The organization's work is centered around activating the voices and leadership of those who have experienced the harsh realities of mass incarceration, thereby channeling their experiences into meaningful change.
In essence, Initiate Justice seeks to mobilize and empower individuals directly affected by mass incarceration, turning them into agents of change in the quest to abolish this system. Their ultimate goal is to foster healthy, economically thriving communities in California, where the stifling grip of mass criminalization no longer holds sway.
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Impact
July, 2024
Initiate Justice is empowering people directly impacted by mass incarceration to become leaders in the movement to end it. Through direct outreach, trainings, and organizing efforts both inside and outside of prisons, Initiate Justice is working to reduce prison populations and improve the human rights of those currently incarcerated. By sending newsletters, hosting podcasts, and conducting workshops, Initiate Justice is engaging a wide audience in conversations about prison reform and abolition. The organization's impact is seen in its efforts to shift the culture of punishment towards a culture of care and to create a more equitable and just California for all its residents.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Initiate Justice. 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.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: $3,256
- Program Service Revenue: $12,146
- Gross Receipts: $1,995,677
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $2,227,656
- Total Liabilities: $68,407
- Net Assets: $2,159,249
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
Program Service Revenue
Revenue
$12,146
Organization Details
Founding Year
2017
Phone
(562) 270-4169Principal Officer
Taina Vargas
Main Address
742 S Hill Street 702, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90014
Website
www.initiatejustice.orgNTEE Category
Code: I83 - Crime
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