Constitutional Rights Defense
Protects fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Constitution and Bill of Rights through litigation and advocacy
Defends constitutional rights and civil liberties through litigation, advocacy, and organizing in Southern California
About Organization
The organization protects civil rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights for all people, including marginalized communities such as immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and those experiencing poverty or incarceration. Based in Los Angeles, CA, the organization operates with 101 employees and reported $9.9 million in revenue for 2023. Founded in 1974, it combines legal action with policy advocacy and community organizing.
Constitutional Rights Defense
Protects fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Constitution and Bill of Rights through litigation and advocacy
Marginalized Communities
Defends civil liberties of immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, disabled people, and incarcerated persons
Systemic Justice
Advances policy reform in criminal justice, voting rights, and education equity through coalition building
Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.
Revenue (2023)
$9.9M
-13.8% vs 2022
Expenses (2023)
$13.8M
+6.4% vs 2022
Assets (2023)
$44.7M
-3.8% vs 2022
Employees (2023)
101
-1.9% vs 2022
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $9,893,281 | $13,761,617 | $44,718,403 | 101 |
| 2022 | $11,479,077 | $12,933,416 | $46,479,486 | 103 |
| 2021 | $18,834,457 | $13,057,663 | $48,853,408 | 98 |
| 2020 | $16,165,175 | $15,134,402 | $45,040,738 | 104 |
| 2019 | $13,327,916 | $13,126,610 | $38,815,968 | 107 |
| 2018 | $13,672,415 | $12,931,850 | $45,271,211 | 104 |
| 2017 | $14,010,989 | $11,129,546 | $49,995,088 | 93 |
Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.
Monitor civil liberties threats and document constitutional violations affecting vulnerable communities
File lawsuits to challenge unconstitutional practices and establish legal precedents
Work with legislators and coalitions to advance protective laws and reform harmful policies
Mobilize grassroots support and educate the public about civil rights protections
Services and programs offered by Aclu Foundation Of Southern California
Defends constitutional rights through strategic lawsuits protecting marginalized communities from government overreach and discrimination
Advances civil liberties through legislative campaigns, including work on the California Voting Rights Act
Ensures equal access to education and protects student rights through legal intervention and policy reform
Protects freedom of speech, religion, and assembly through litigation and public education efforts
Advocates for accountability in prosecution and protects rights of incarcerated individuals through coalition work
Meet the people behind Aclu Foundation Of Southern California.
1974
1974
Established to defend civil liberties in Southern California
2020
2020
Revenue increased to $16.2 million during period of heightened civil rights challenges
2021
2021
Reached highest revenue of $18.8 million supporting expanded civil rights work
Board members, advisors, and key contributors
Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.
Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990
Total Reported (2023)
$2.3M
Highest Paid
$270K
Peter Eliasberg
Compensated Officers
12
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Eliasberg | Chief Counsel | $183,339 | $86,528 | $269,867 | 33.75 |
| Hector Villagra | Executive Director | $166,994 | $70,126 | $237,120 | 36 |
| Julie Weinstein | Chief Development Officer | $203,395 | $33,708 | $237,103 | 54 |
| Jennifer Pasquarella | DIR. Immigrants' Rights (Thru 01/24) | $133,100 | $78,374 | $211,474 | 37.5 |
| Preeti Kulkarni | Chief Financial Officer (Thru 02/24) | $170,531 | $15,866 | $186,397 | 42 |
| Minouche D Kandel | Senior Staff Attorney | $161,082 | $19,246 | $180,328 | 33.75 |
| Victor Leung | Chief Advocacy & Legal Director | $159,124 | $21,134 | $180,258 | 54 |
| Deborah Roberson | Chief Human Resources Officer | $158,974 | $19,180 | $178,154 | 42 |
| Amanda Goad | DIR./Lgbtq & Reproductive Justice | $146,867 | $15,160 | $162,027 | 33.75 |
| Michael Kaufman | Senior Staff Attorney | $128,984 | $27,689 | $156,673 | 33.75 |
| Esmeralda Martinez | Interim Chief Financial Officer | $119,595 | $20,244 | $139,839 | 42 |
| Marcus Benigno | Chief Comms & Mktng Officer | $120,976 | $10,691 | $131,667 | 33 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Eliasberg | Chief Counsel | $179,797 | $80,098 | $259,895 | 33.75 |
| Hector Villagra | Executive Director | $169,882 | $70,016 | $239,898 | 39 |
| Julie Weinstein | Chief Development Officer | $182,873 | $31,448 | $214,321 | 54 |
| Melissa Goodman | Director Of Advocacy | $138,455 | $55,620 | $194,075 | 24.38 |
| Peter Bibring | Senior Counsel | $121,186 | $54,426 | $175,612 | 30 |
| Amanda Goad | DIR./Lgbtq & Reproductive Justice | $148,366 | $15,752 | $164,118 | 37.5 |
| Michael Kaufman | Deputy Director Of Advocacy | $128,758 | $29,587 | $158,345 | 37.5 |
| Preeti Kulkarni | Chief Financial Officer | $138,717 | $9,661 | $148,378 | 42 |
| Deborah Roberson | Chief Human Resources Officer | $139,891 | $8,138 | $148,029 | 42 |
| Minouche D Kandel | Senior Staff Attorney | $137,273 | $7,881 | $145,154 | 30 |
| Marcus Benigno | Chief COMM And Mktng Officer | $130,806 | $12,318 | $143,124 | 42 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hector Villagra | Executive Director | $177,007 | $72,944 | $249,951 | 42 |
| Peter Eliasberg | Senior Counsel | $148,907 | $83,118 | $232,025 | 37.5 |
| Julie Weinstein | Chief Development Officer | $170,148 | $30,095 | $200,243 | 54 |
| Melissa Goodman | Director Of Advocacy | $144,464 | $55,291 | $199,755 | 24.38 |
| Amanda Goad | DIR./Lgbtq & Reproductive Justice. | $142,872 | $15,152 | $158,024 | 37.5 |
| Victor Leung | Edu Equity Project & Deputy Litigatigation DIR. | $128,891 | $20,261 | $149,152 | 37.5 |
| Preeti Kulkarni | Chief Financial Officer | $132,231 | $9,215 | $141,446 | 42 |
| Minouche D Kandel | Senior Staff Attorney | $133,539 | $7,491 | $141,030 | 26.25 |
| Marcus Benigno | Chief COMM And Mkting Officer | $122,924 | $11,532 | $134,456 | 40.5 |
| Deborah Roberson | Chief HR Officer (Joined 10/21) | $20,724 | $1,121 | $21,845 | 42 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sylvia Torres-Guillen | Director Education Equity | $250,580 | $27,919 | $278,499 | 60 |
| Hector Villagra | Executive Director | $171,972 | $68,146 | $240,118 | 42 |
| Ahilan Arulananatham | Senior Council | $157,664 | $69,728 | $227,392 | 60 |
| Melissa Goodman | Director Of Advocacy | $157,736 | $60,186 | $217,922 | 48 |
| Julie Weinstein | Chief Development Officer | $164,777 | $28,272 | $193,049 | 54 |
| Peter Eliasberg | Chief Counsel | $116,218 | $72,936 | $189,154 | 37.5 |
| Jennifer Pasquarella | DIR Of Imm Rights And SR Staff Atty | $121,357 | $60,601 | $181,958 | 37.5 |
| Minouche Kandel | Senior Staff Attorney | $165,365 | $9,328 | $174,693 | 37.5 |
| Peter Bibring | DIR Of Police Practices | $117,583 | $49,463 | $167,046 | 37.5 |
| Amanda Goad | Audrey Irmas Director/Lgbtq | $134,452 | $14,311 | $148,763 | 37.5 |
| Victor Leung | Edu Equity Proj DIR/ Deputy DIR Of Advoca | $117,162 | $18,920 | $136,082 | 37.5 |
| Preeti Kulkarni | Chief Financial And Admin | $125,945 | $8,840 | $134,785 | 42 |
| Marcus Benigno | Chief COMM And Mkting | $121,690 | $11,317 | $133,007 | 26.25 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahilan Arulanantham | Senior Council | $164,550 | $55,193 | $219,743 | 60 |
| Peter Eliasberg | Chief Counsel | $154,022 | $63,730 | $217,752 | 37.5 |
| Hector Villagra | Executive Director | $163,122 | $52,124 | $215,246 | 42 |
| Sylvia Torres-Guillen | Director Of Education Equity | $178,072 | $28,633 | $206,705 | 60 |
| Melissa Goodman | Director Of Advocacy | $147,531 | $48,910 | $196,441 | 52.2 |
| Julie Weinstein | Chief Development Officer | $154,972 | $24,697 | $179,669 | 54 |
| Jennifer Pasquarella | Senior Staff Attorney | $114,359 | $50,595 | $164,954 | 37.5 |
| Minouche Kandel | Senior Staff Attorney | $141,655 | $8,022 | $149,677 | 37.5 |
| Michael Kaufman | Senior Staff Attorney | $119,702 | $22,519 | $142,221 | 37.5 |
| Amanda Goad | Audrey Irmas Director/Lgbtq | $126,706 | $13,612 | $140,318 | 37.5 |
| Preeti Kulkarni | Chief Financial & Admin. Officer | $112,390 | $6,957 | $119,347 | 42 |
Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.
Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings
Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.