What Brennan Center for Justice does
The Brennan Center for Justice was founded in 1995 by the family and former law clerks of Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr. and is based at New York University School of Law. It describes itself as an independent, nonpartisan law and policy organization. It combines research, litigation, and advocacy in three programs: Democracy, Justice, and Liberty & National Security.
Its work covers voting rules, redistricting, campaign finance, and incarceration. It files court briefs, including an amicus brief in Moore v. Harper (2022), and has represented detainees in national-security cases. Its 2024 annual report lists a 190-person team, including 13 social scientists. That year it produced 120 briefs and expert analyses, analyzed about 1 billion voter-file records and 1 million criminal case records, and received more than 1,350 media mentions.
Despite the NYU name, the Center is its own 501(c)(3), the William J. Brennan Jr. Center for Justice, Inc. (EIN 13-3839293). About 40,000 donors support it; its report says 74% of 2024 funding came from individuals and family foundations and 73% of spending went to programs. Charity Navigator gives it a Four-Star rating.
Key facts
- 190-person team including 13 social scientists; about 40,000 donors (2024 annual report)
- In 2024: 120 briefs and expert analyses, about 1 billion voter-file records and 1 million criminal case records analyzed (2024 annual report)
- 74% of FY2024 funding came from individuals and family foundations; 73% of spending went to programs (2024 annual report)
- About $73.8M revenue and $58.1M expenses in the fiscal year ending June 2025 (ProPublica)
Before you give
- Although it is housed at NYU School of Law, the Brennan Center files its own IRS returns as William J. Brennan Jr. Center for Justice, Inc. (EIN 13-3839293). Its donation form names that EIN, so use it rather than NYU's for donor-advised fund grants or employer matches.
- The donation form accepts card, PayPal, bank account, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and DAF Pay, with one-time, monthly, quarterly, or annual options. It also encourages company matching gifts.
Common questions
Is Brennan Center for Justice a legitimate charity?
Tax status: US 501(c)(3) — donations are tax-deductible for US taxpayers (its own nonprofit corporation, affiliated with NYU School of Law). It files with the IRS under EIN 13-3839293, and its annual returns are public on ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer. Independent ratings — Charity Navigator: 4 of 4 stars. As with any charity, check its latest filings before a large gift.
Are donations to Brennan Center for Justice tax-deductible?
US 501(c)(3) — donations are tax-deductible for US taxpayers (its own nonprofit corporation, affiliated with NYU School of Law).
Where does Brennan Center for Justice work?
Brennan Center for Justice works in United States (nationwide). It is based in New York, NY.
How do I donate to Brennan Center for Justice?
Use the Donate button on this page — it goes straight to Brennan Center for Justice's own donation page on secure.brennancenter.org. randomcharity.com doesn't process payments, doesn't see your card details and takes no cut.
Sources
- projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/133839293
- charitynavigator.org/ein/133839293
- brennancenter.org/about
- brennancenter.org/about/brennan-center-nyu-school-law
- brennancenter.org/about/financial-legal-information
- brennancenter.org/charitable-solicitation-disclosures
- secure.brennancenter.org/secure/donate-brennan-center-justice
- brennancenter.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/2024_annual-report_pages_combin
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brennan_Center_for_Justice
Profile researched and last reviewed September 2026. Ratings and figures change — the linked evaluator pages always show the current version.