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Black Girls Code

Black Girls Code is an Oakland-based nonprofit that teaches coding and technology skills, including AI and game design, to Black girls ages 7–18 through workshops, summer camps, and free online video lessons.

Since 2011, Black Girls Code has reached more than 53,000 learners through workshops, and 6,757 young people joined its programs in 2025 alone.

You give directly to Black Girls Code. randomcharity.com takes $0 and never touches your money.

What Black Girls Code does

Black Girls Code (BGC) was founded in 2011 and is based in Oakland, California. Its stated goal is to help Black girls believe they belong in tech and to give them the skills and opportunities to lead there. It runs hands-on workshops on subjects like robotics, art and AI; summer camps; a free video coding series called Code Along; and a community for members 18 and older heading into college and careers.

BGC says it has reached more than 53,000 learners through workshops since 2011 and served 6,757 learners in 2025. For summer 2026 it announced camps in 10 cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Oakland and San Juan, Puerto Rico, plus two virtual sessions. The camps teach game development and AI basics to more than 600 campers ages 10 to 17.

Donors should know BGC went through a public leadership dispute. Founder Kimberly Bryant was placed on leave in December 2021 and removed as CEO in August 2022, and both sides filed lawsuits. In November 2023 Bryant announced a confidential settlement, which she said affirmed no wrongdoing on her part. Revenue has since fallen sharply, from $23.9 million in 2020 to $4.4 million in 2024. That year BGC spent $12.8 million and reported $23.4 million in net assets. Charity Navigator currently rates it three stars (87%).

Key facts

  • More than 53,000 learners reached through workshops since 2011 (BGC site)
  • 6,757 learners took part in programs in 2025, which BGC says is 30% year-over-year growth (BGC site)
  • 2026 summer camps in 10 cities plus two virtual sessions, for 600+ campers ages 10–17 (Business Wire, April 2026)
  • Revenue fell from $23.9M in 2020 to $4.4M in 2024; 2024 expenses were $12.8M, with $23.4M in net assets (IRS 990 via ProPublica)

Before you give

  • Donorbox form states: 501(c)(3), EIN 45-4930539, and notes the EIN can be used for donor-advised fund gifts.
  • Leadership history: founder Kimberly Bryant was placed on leave in Dec 2021 and removed as CEO in Aug 2022. Both sides sued, and a confidential settlement was announced in Nov 2023. Cristina Mancini is quoted as CEO in an April 2026 release.

Common questions

Is Black Girls Code a legitimate charity?

Tax status: US 501(c)(3) — donations are tax-deductible for US taxpayers. It files with the IRS under EIN 45-4930539, and its annual returns are public on ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer. Independent ratings — Charity Navigator: 3 of 4 stars · score 87%. As with any charity, check its latest filings before a large gift.

Are donations to Black Girls Code tax-deductible?

US 501(c)(3) — donations are tax-deductible for US taxpayers.

Where does Black Girls Code work?

Black Girls Code works in United States (camps in 10 cities plus virtual). It is based in Oakland, CA.

How do I donate to Black Girls Code?

Use the Donate button on this page — it goes straight to Black Girls Code's own donation page on donorbox.org. randomcharity.com doesn't process payments, doesn't see your card details and takes no cut.

Sources

  1. projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/454930539
  2. charitynavigator.org/ein/454930539
  3. wearebgc.org/
  4. wearebgc.org/about/
  5. donorbox.org/blackgirlscode
  6. businesswire.com/news/home/20260402280066/en/Black-Girls-Code-Announces-2026
  7. inc.com/rebecca-deczynski/kimberly-bryant-black-girls-code-terminat
  8. peopleofcolorintech.com/articles/black-girls-code-founder-kimberly-bryant-announces
  9. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Girls_Code

Profile researched and last reviewed September 2026. Ratings and figures change — the linked evaluator pages always show the current version.

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