Nonprofit · EIN 52-0895622
CHILDRENS DEFENSE FUND
Tax-exempt · WASHINGTON, DC 20001
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2024 | 990 | $23,995,349 | $34,918,824 | -$10,923,475 | $40,067,480 | $12,389,199 | $27,678,281 |
| December 31, 2023 | 990 (amended) | $20,163,089 | $33,491,875 | -$13,328,786 | $55,754,565 | $19,378,334 | $36,376,231 |
| December 31, 2022 | 990 (amended) | $17,509,448 | $28,336,010 | -$10,826,562 | $54,348,376 | $11,519,267 | $42,829,109 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $19,359,115
- of which government grants
- $2,153,467
- Program service revenue
- $3,909,075
- Investment income
- $805,651
- Royalties
- $14
- Net rental income
- -$120,203
- Net gain from sales of assets
- -$75,809
- Net income from fundraising events
- -$17,059
- Net income from sales of inventory
- $58,756
- Other revenue
- -$78,492
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $7,061,812
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $844,866
- Other salaries and wages
- $9,241,658
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $12,795,416
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Legal fees
- $204,846
- Accounting fees
- $142,358
- Occupancy
- $1,385,564
- Travel
- $1,317,013
- Depreciation
- $526,331
- Program services (functional)
- $25,554,069
- Management and general (functional)
- $7,140,215
- Fundraising (functional)
- $2,224,540
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $55,754,565
- Total assets, end of year
- $40,067,480
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $12,389,199
- Net assets, end of year
- $27,678,281
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $3,305,924
- Publicly traded securities
- $25,145,667
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $11,517,546
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $16,160,735
- Gross receipts
- $49,336,738
- Employees
- 225
- Volunteers
- 60
- Year formed
- 1969
- State of legal domicile
- DC
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STARSKY WILSON | PRESIDENT/CEO Trustee or director, Officer | 35 | $366,711 | $10,350 |
| SHERI BRADY | VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGY & PROGRAM Officer | 35 | $200,742 | $6,450 |
| OLETA FITZGERALD | DIRECTOR OF SOUTHERN REGIONAL OFFICE Highest-paid employee | 35 | $155,443 | $5,164 |
| CHERYL COOK-POSLEY | NATL DIR, MVMT BUILDING & PROGRAMS Highest-paid employee | 35 | $160,016 | $0 |
| KATHLEEN FLYNN | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Officer | 35 | $143,878 | $1,585 |
| KRISTAL CLEMONS | NATIONAL DIRECTOR FREEDOM SCHOOLS Highest-paid employee | 35 | $137,642 | $4,670 |
| ALTA RIGGS | CONTROLLER TO OCTOBER 2024 Highest-paid employee | 35 | $137,349 | $4,096 |
| SHAQUITE PEGUES | MANAGING DIRECTOR FREEDOM SCHOOLS Highest-paid employee | 35 | $135,893 | $4,046 |
| MARIAN EDELMAN | PRESIDENT EMERITA Trustee or director, Officer | 35 | $115,126 | $24 |
| DON DARIUS BUTLER | CHAIR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| DEBORAH JEWELL-SHERMAN | SECRETARY Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MARTIN RODGERS | TREASURER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ZACHARY BOYERS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| WILLIAM CLAY GRUBB | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MALAAK COMPTON-ROCK | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2023: 23 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STARSKY WILSON | PRESIDENT/CEO Trustee or director, Officer | 35 | $325,450 | $9,750 |
| SHERI BRADY | VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGY AND PROGRAM Officer | 35 | $200,690 | $6,000 |
| THOMAS HARVEY | CALIFORNIA STATE DIRECTOR AND NATIONAL LITIGATION Highest-paid employee | 35 | $189,959 | $7,328 |
| AUDREY JOHNSON | VP OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Officer | 35 | $191,290 | $5,700 |
| OLETA FITZGERALD | DIRECTOR OF SOUTHERN REGIONAL OFC Highest-paid employee | 35 | $168,483 | $4,980 |
| KERCENA DOZIER | NEW YORK STATE DIRECTOR Highest-paid employee | 35 | $166,568 | $4,988 |
| KRISTAL CLEMONS | NATIONAL DIRECTOR, CDF FREEDOM SCHOOLS Highest-paid employee | 35 | $157,248 | $4,526 |
| ROBERT FARRACE | NATIONAL DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS Highest-paid employee | 35 | $157,864 | $2,674 |
| RANDY MARSH | VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS Officer | 35 | $125,922 | $3,601 |
| MARIAN EDELMAN | PRESIDENT EMERITA Trustee or director, Officer | 35 | $120,764 | $24 |
| SHAMIR SHAHI | CHIEF OF STAFF Officer | 35 | $29,337 | $877 |
| ANGELA GLOVER BLACKWELL | CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| MARTIN RODGERS | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAN BENTSEN | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ZACHARY BOYERS | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAPHONZA BUTLER | CHAIR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MALAAK COMPTON-ROCK | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CAROL BIONDI | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| DON DARIUS BUTLER | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| DEBORAH COGUT | SECRETARY Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| DEBORAH JEWELL-SHERMAN | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| DD EISENBERG | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CARMEN ROJAS | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2022: 26 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STARSKY WILSON | PRESIDENT/CEO Trustee or director, Officer | 35 | $315,384 | $27,517 |
| SHERI BRADY | VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGY AND PROGRAM Officer | 35 | $196,476 | $12,331 |
| AUDREY JOHNSON | VICE PRESIDENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Officer | 35 | $186,076 | $10,134 |
| SHAMIR SHAHI | CHIEF OF STAFF Officer | 35 | $190,690 | $3,288 |
| THOMAS HARVEY | CALIFORNIA STATE DIRECTOR AND NATIONAL LITIGATION Highest-paid employee | 35 | $171,766 | $5,402 |
| KERCENA DOZIER | NEW YORK STATE DIRECTOR Highest-paid employee | 35 | $161,641 | $10,231 |
| OLETA FITZGERALD | DIRECTOR OF SOUTHERN REGIONAL OFC Highest-paid employee | 35 | $160,547 | $11,033 |
| RANDY MARSH | VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS Officer | 35 | $162,252 | $8,708 |
| ROBERT FARRACE | NATIONAL DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS Highest-paid employee | 35 | $153,301 | $5,751 |
| KRISTAL CLEMONS | NATIONAL DIR, CDF FREEDOM SCHOOLS Highest-paid employee | 35 | $149,358 | $4,586 |
| MARIAN EDELMAN | PRESIDENT EMERITA Trustee or director, Officer | 35 | $116,536 | $15,769 |
| ANGELA GLOVER BLACKWELL | CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| RUTH-ANN HUVANE | VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| IVANNA OMEECHEVARRIA | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MARTIN RODGERS | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAN BENTSEN | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ZACHARY BOYERS | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAPHONZA BUTLER | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MALAAK COMPTON-ROCK | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CAROL BIONDI | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| DON DARIUS BUTLER | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| DEBORAH COGUT | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| DEBORAH JEWELL-SHERMAN | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| DD EISENBERG | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| GEORGE GRESHAM | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CARMEN ROJAS | BOD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 777 6TH STREET NW 8TH, WASHINGTON, DC 20001-3723
- In care of
- % GIJS DELEEDE
- Principal officer (990 for 2024)
- STARSKY WILSON, 840 FIRST STREET NE 300, WASHINGTON, DC 20002
- Signed the 990
- STARSKY WILSON, PRESIDENT/CEO
- Phone
- (202) 662-3622
- Website
- WWW.CHILDRENSDEFENSE.ORG
- Return prepared by
- CLIFTONLARSONALLEN LLP
Mission
CHILDREN'S DEFENSE FUND ENVISIONS A NATION WHERE MARGINALIZED CHILDREN FLOURISH, LEADERS PRIORITIZE THEIR WELL-BEING, AND COMMUNITIES WIELD THE POWER TO ENSURE THEY THRIVE.
Program accomplishments
- POLICY/ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN - EDUCATED POLICY MAKERS AND THE PUBLIC ON THE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT IMPROVE THE ODDS FOR POOR CHILDREN AND CHILDREN OF COLOR. WORKED AT THE NATIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS TO PROMOTE, IMPLEMENT AND MONITOR KEY POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS. PRODUCED RIGOROUS NON-PARTISAN RESEARCH AND REPORTS ON THE FACTORS THAT SUPPORT CHILDREN'S WELL-BEING.Expenses $9,649,648 · grants $2,635,781
- BUILDING A MOVEMENT FOR YOUTH - IDENTIFIED AND TRAINED CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS NATIONWIDE TO BE LEADERS AND ADVOCATES FOR THE SUPPORTS AND SERVICES THAT CHILDREN NEED TO THRIVE. DELIVERED EMPOWERING, MULTIGENERATIONAL PROGRAMMING ON SOCIAL JUSTICE AND CIVIC ACTION TO YOUNG PEOPLE, FAITH LEADERS AND MEMBERS OF THE BROADER COMMUNITY DEDICATED TO ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF POOR CHILDREN IN AMERICA.Expenses $9,263,664 · grants $2,530,351
- CDF FREEDOM SCHOOLS - PROVIDED A HIGH QUALITY, RESEARCH-BASED READING ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN UNDERSERVED AND IMPOVERISHED COMMUNITIES. FOSTERED CULTURAL PRIDE AND PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT, ACADEMIC CONFIDENCE AND BELIEF IN THEIR ABILITY TO EFFECT CHANGE IN THEMSELVES, THEIR COMMUNITIES AND THE WORLD.Expenses $6,640,757 · grants $1,895,680 · revenue $3,967,831
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 31, 2025 | May 15, 2026 | Not on file |
| 2024 | December 31, 2024 | May 15, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | December 31, 2023 | May 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 52-0895622
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 1969
- Accounting year ends
- December
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Civil rights, social action and advocacy (R200)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $40,067,480
- Income (IRS master file)
- $49,336,738
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | December 2024 | $23,995,349 | $34,918,824 | $40,067,480 | IRS |
| 990 | December 2023 | $20,163,089 | $33,491,875 | $55,754,565 | XML |
| 990 | December 2022 | $17,509,448 | $28,336,010 | $54,348,376 | XML |
| 990 | December 2021 | $12,572,840 | $5,094,751 | $63,282,994 | IRS |
| 990 | September 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | September 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | December 2017 | – | – | – | IRS |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 52-0895622).
Questions about CHILDRENS DEFENSE FUND
- What is the EIN of CHILDRENS DEFENSE FUND?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of CHILDRENS DEFENSE FUND is 52-0895622.
- Is CHILDRENS DEFENSE FUND tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1969.
- Are donations to CHILDRENS DEFENSE FUND tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does CHILDRENS DEFENSE FUND file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of CHILDRENS DEFENSE FUND due?
- The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending December 31, 2025) is due May 15, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did CHILDRENS DEFENSE FUND last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2024.
- Who is the principal officer of CHILDRENS DEFENSE FUND?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 names STARSKY WILSON.
- Who are the officers and directors of CHILDRENS DEFENSE FUND?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 lists 15 people; 9 received compensation from the organization, the highest $366,711 (STARSKY WILSON, PRESIDENT/CEO).
- How much revenue does CHILDRENS DEFENSE FUND have?
- On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 it reported revenue of $23,995,349, expenses of $34,918,824 and total assets of $40,067,480 at year end.
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