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← FORWARD JUSTICE

Form 990 for tax year 2024

Filed by FORWARD JUSTICE.

Totals

Total revenue
$7,693,507
Total expenses
$4,465,018
Contributions and grants received
$5,334,789
Grants paid
$0
Program service revenue
$2,193,703
Investment income
$24,051
Other revenue
$140,964
Total assets, end of year
$14,255,036
Total liabilities, end of year
$582,496
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$13,672,540
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$3,149,248
Management and general expenses
$888,744
Fundraising expenses
$427,025
Program service expenses (Part III)
$3,149,248

Program services were 70.5% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1a · Federated campaigns

    $0

  • 1b · Membership dues

    $0

  • 1c · Fundraising events

    $0

  • 1d · Related organizations

    $0

  • 1e · Government grants (contributions)

    $0

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $5,334,789

  • 1g · Noncash contributions included above

    $0

  • 2a · Program service revenue: Restricted Grant Income

    total $2,166,500 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 2b · Program service revenue: Restricted Donations

    total $2,000 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 2c · Program service revenue: Restricted Contributions

    total $25,203 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 2d · Program service revenue

    total $0 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 2e · Program service revenue

    total $0 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 2f · All other program service revenue

    total $0 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $24,051 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 4 · Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds

    total $0 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 5 · Royalties

    total $0 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 6a · Gross rents

    real property $0 · personal property $0

  • 6b · Less rental expenses

    real property $0 · personal property $0

  • 6c · Rental income or loss

    real property $0 · personal property $0

  • 6d · Net rental income or loss

    total $0 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 7a · Gross sales of assets other than inventory

    securities $0 · other assets $0

  • 7b · Less cost or other basis and sales expenses

    securities $0 · other assets $0

  • 7c · Gain or loss

    securities $0 · other assets $0

  • 7d · Net gain or loss

    total $0 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 8a · Fundraising events: gross income

    $0

  • 8a · Fundraising events: contributions included on line 1c

    $0

  • 8b · Fundraising events: direct expenses

    $0

  • 8c · Net income from fundraising events

    total $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 9a · Gaming: gross income

    $0

  • 9b · Gaming: direct expenses

    $0

  • 9c · Net income from gaming

    total $0 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 10a · Gross sales of inventory

    $0

  • 10b · Cost of goods sold

    $0

  • 10c · Net income from sales of inventory

    total $0 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 11a · Other revenue: Miscellaneous Revenue

    total $2,299 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 11b · Other revenue: Billable Expenses

    total $138,665 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 11c · Other revenue

    total $0 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 11d · All other revenue

    total $0 · related or exempt $0 · unrelated business $0 · excluded $0

  • 11e · Other revenue, total

    $140,964

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 1 · Grants to domestic organizations and governments

    total $0 · program services $0

  • 2 · Grants to domestic individuals

    total $0 · program services $0

  • 3 · Grants to foreign organizations and individuals

    total $0 · program services $0

  • 4 · Benefits paid to or for members

    total $0 · program services $0

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $542,124 · program services $217,932 · management and general $146,868 · fundraising $177,324

  • 6 · Compensation of disqualified persons

    total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $1,364,740 · program services $985,151 · management and general $324,046 · fundraising $55,543

  • 8 · Pension plan contributions

    total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $261,098 · program services $171,864 · management and general $65,958 · fundraising $23,276

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $149,552 · program services $94,778 · management and general $29,745 · fundraising $25,029

  • 11a · Fees: management

    total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0

  • 11b · Fees: legal

    total $27,436 · program services $0 · management and general $27,436 · fundraising $0

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $14,000 · program services $0 · management and general $14,000 · fundraising $0

  • 11d · Fees: lobbying

    total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0

  • 11e · Fees: professional fundraising services

    total $0 · fundraising $0

  • 11f · Fees: investment management

    total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0

  • 12 · Advertising and promotion

    total $60,114 · program services $60,114 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0

  • 13 · Office expenses

    total $105,815 · program services $70,345 · management and general $28,766 · fundraising $6,704

  • 14 · Information technology

    total $104,042 · program services $65,547 · management and general $26,010 · fundraising $12,485

  • 15 · Royalties

    total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $212,133 · program services $133,644 · management and general $53,033 · fundraising $25,456

  • 17 · Travel

    total $282,779 · program services $178,150 · management and general $70,695 · fundraising $33,934

  • 18 · Travel or entertainment for public officials

    total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0

  • 19 · Conferences, conventions and meetings

    total $217,704 · program services $217,704 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0

  • 20 · Interest

    total $317 · program services $0 · management and general $317 · fundraising $0

  • 21 · Payments to affiliates

    total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $16,847 · program services $10,614 · management and general $4,212 · fundraising $2,022

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $11,609 · program services $0 · management and general $11,609 · fundraising $0

  • 24a · Other expenses: Contracted Services

    total $799,688 · program services $705,458 · management and general $39,514 · fundraising $54,715

  • 24b · Other expenses: Dues & Subscriptions

    total $87,812 · program services $55,321 · management and general $21,953 · fundraising $10,537

  • 24c · Other expenses: Ally Support

    total $13,400 · program services $13,400 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0

  • 24d · Other expenses: Repairs & Maintenace

    total $1,398 · program services $0 · management and general $1,398 · fundraising $0

  • 24e · All other expenses

    total $192,410 · program services $169,226 · management and general $23,184 · fundraising $0

  • 26 · Joint costs (an allocation of the lines above)

    total $0 · program services $0 · management and general $0 · fundraising $0

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing

    beginning of year $6,626,831 · end of year $7,384,356

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $1,101,165 · end of year $1,125,216

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $2,675,000 · end of year $5,334,165

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    beginning of year $35,215 · end of year $31,268

  • 5 · Loans and receivables from officers and key people

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 6 · Loans and receivables from disqualified persons

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 7 · Other notes and loans receivable

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 8 · Inventories for sale or use

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $5,137 · end of year $25,092

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $100,787

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $47,710

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $57,610 · end of year $53,077

  • 11 · Investments: publicly traded securities

    beginning of year $12,295 · end of year $12,295

  • 12 · Investments: other securities

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 13 · Investments: program-related

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 14 · Intangible assets

    beginning of year $466,254 · end of year $287,703

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $1,767 · end of year $1,864

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $574,596 · end of year $582,496

  • 18 · Grants payable

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 19 · Deferred revenue

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 20 · Tax-exempt bond liabilities

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 21 · Escrow or custodial account liability

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 22 · Loans and payables to officers and key people

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 23 · Secured mortgages and notes payable

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 24 · Unsecured notes and loans payable

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $5,687,442 · end of year $7,154,859

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $4,719,236 · end of year $6,517,681

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

FORWARD JUSTICE IS A NONPARTISAN LAW POLICY AND STRATEGY CENTER DEDICATED TO ADVANCING RACIAL SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE.

  • The organization conducted trainings to equip community members with the information skills tools and resources needed to effectively organize and build power within their communities. The organization coordinated and facilitated the Second Chance Day of Advocacy during which directly impacted individuals and community advocates met with state lawmakers to discuss the causes and consequences of involvement with the criminal legal system. The program advanced public awareness and policy discussions aimed at expanding opportunity and reducing barriers for people with criminal records. The organization hosted the Peoples Convening on Fines and Fees a community-centered forum examining the impact of criminal legal fines and fees on low-income individuals

    Expenses $904,915 · Grants $2,193,703

  • The organization hosted Transformative Justice events and community dinners designed to build community deepen trust and create spaces for collective care healing reflection and shared strategizing. These gatherings supported relationship-building and strengthened community capacity to practice transformative justice. The organization facilitated the Man in the Mirror mens dinner and discussion series which provided a structured environment for participants to explore the complexities of manhood community accountability emotional wellbeing and healing. The series offered opportunities for dialogue reflection and personal and collective growth. The organization organized and amplified seven days of free community events in celebration of Kwanzaa in collaboration with SpiritHouse NC. The events promoted cultural education artistic expression and community connection while honoring the principles and traditions of Kwanzaa.

    Expenses $305,040

  • The organization lead the statewide protect our vote coalition including voter and election protection through legal cases policy advocacy and statewide tours. Voter protection hotlines provided real-time assistance information and advocacy for voters experiencing barriers at the polls. The organization conducted the Unlock Our Vote peer-to-peer voter engagement program reaching directly impacted voters through phone calls text outreach and in-person events. The initiative expanded civic participation by providing accurate voting information and supporting voter readiness. The organization supported the Long March for Unity and Justice with the Beloved Community Center helping to uplift community concerns strengthen solidarity across groups and mobilize residents toward collective action and social transformation. The organization provided voter protection and community-based support work to end poverty across the U.S. South.

    Expenses $1,939,293 · Grants $5,334,789

As filed on the 2024 return.

Listed in Part VII

  • Caitlin Swain

    Co-Director

    Total calculated
    $203,585
    From this org
    $153,525
    From related orgs
    $50,060
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $141,866 + $50,060 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $0
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0
    Filer's total
    $141,866 + $50,060 related

  • Daryl Atkinson

    Co-Director

    Total calculated
    $203,694
    From this org
    $153,557
    From related orgs
    $50,137
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $148,945 + $50,137 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $0
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0
    Filer's total
    $148,945 + $50,137 related

  • James Coleman

    Secretary

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.05

  • Jamie Cole

    Chairwoman

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.05

  • Norris Henderson

    Treasurer

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.05

  • Roxanne Saucier

    Officer

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.05

  • Dr Ashley Marshall

    Senior Director of Sustainability Emergence

    Total calculated
    $183,575
    From this org
    $133,521
    From related orgs
    $50,054
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $133,499 + $50,054 related
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $0
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0
    Filer's total
    $133,499 + $50,054 related

  • John Anthony Holbert

    Director of Impact

    Total calculated
    $101,520
    From this org
    $101,520
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $101,520
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $0
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0
    Filer's total
    $101,520

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

None.

Answered no

  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

No itemized grants to organizations on this return.

Related organizations on this return

Schedule R Part II: tax-exempt organizations related to the filer by control. It does not record shared board members or money.

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2024
Filed
18 November 2025
IRS schema version
2024v5.1
Source object
202543229349301764

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