irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $1.32MLEGAL PROGRAMS:LEGAL MOMENTUM'S LEGAL DEPARTMENT FOCUSES ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES IMPORTANT TO ADVANCING GENDER EQUALITY FOR WOMEN, INCLUDING:WORKPLACE EQUALITY AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: THROUGH OUR WOMEN VALUED INITIATIVE, LEGAL MOMENTUM IS IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIES TO ADVANCE GENDER EQUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE AND ENHANCE ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR WOMEN, WITH A FOCUS ON THE MOST VULNERABLE GROUPS, INCLUDING WOMEN OF COLOR, WOMEN WORKING IN LOW-WAGE INDUSTRIES, SURVIVORS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE, AND IMMIGRANT WOMEN. (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O)(CONTINUED FROM PART III, LINE 4B) BY DEVELOPING A KNOW-YOUR-RIGHTS GUIDANCE ON THE BROAD SPECTRUM OF WORKPLACE RIGHTS AND RELATED BENEFITS AND PROVIDING TRAINING AND OUTREACH TO LOW-INCOME WOMEN, THE PROJECT AIMS TO PROMOTE EARLY INTERVENTION BY EDUCATING WOMEN ABOUT HOW TO ACTIVELY ASSERT THEIR RIGHTS IN THE WORKPLACE AND WHEN TRYING TO ENTER THE WORKFORCE. THE PROJECT ALSO RAISES AWARENESS AND ENGAGES IN LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY ADVOCACY FOR REFORM AT THE NATIONAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS TO ADVANCE GENDER EQUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE AND ENHANCE WOMEN'S ECONOMIC SECURITY.COMBATTING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: LEGAL MOMENTUM IS WORKING ON SEVERAL PROJECTS WITH THE GOAL OF EMPOWERING SURVIVORS TO ADDRESS GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND ENSURING INFORMED COMMUNITY RESPONSES AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR VIOLENCE PERPETRATED AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS INCLUDING: A. RESEARCH AND POLICY ADVOCACY GUIDANCES TO PASS A FEDERAL AND/OR STATE-BASED GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE CIVIL RIGHTS REMEDY TO REPLACE THE VAWA CIVIL RIGHTS REMEDY STRUCK DOWN BY THE U.S. SUPREME COURT IN U.S. V. MORRISON (2000);B. LITIGATION ON BEHALF OF SURVIVORS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE WHO HAVE FACED DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE ON THE BASIS OF THEIR STATUS AS A SURVIVOR OF DOMESTIC/SEXUAL VIOLENCE; C. THROUGH OUR NEWLY LAUNCHED ONLINE TRAINING, HELPING SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS NAVIGATE THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, LEGAL MOMENTUM PROVIDES TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO VICTIM ADVOCATES ON HOW TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS AS THEY ATTEMPT TO NAVIGATE THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. D. LEADING EFFORTS TO ENACT BROADER WORKPLACE PROTECTIONS FOR SURVIVORS.REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE: LEGAL MOMENTUM IS EXPANDING OUR WORK ON REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS TO ENGAGE IN RESEARCH, OUTREACH, AND LITIGATION TO CHALLENGE GOVERNMENT SURVEILLANCE OF AND INTRUSION INTO THE LIVES OF PREGNANT PERSONS. ENSURING EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS: LEGAL MOMENTUM, WITH EXPERTISE IN TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1972, PROVIDES LEGAL ASSISTANCE AND COUNSELING TO VICTIMS OF CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT AND TO STUDENTS WHO ARE PREGNANT AND PARENTING, AND ENGAGES IN NATIONWIDE POLICY ADVOCACY ON THESE ISSUES. ADDITIONALLY, LEGAL MOMENTUM IS BEGINNING THE SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF OUR SUCCESSFUL 'RIGHTS NOW!' PROGRAM, UNDER A GRANT FROM THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL YOUNG WOMEN'S INITIATIVE. THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, LEGAL MOMENTUM DEVELOPS TRAININGS, PEER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING, AND RESOURCES TO EMPOWER YOUNG, AT-RISK GIRLS (PARTICULARLY GIRLS OF COLOR) IN NEW YORK CITY AND PROVIDE THEM WITH ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS AS STUDENTS AND YOUNG WORKERS.HELPLINE - DIRECT SERVICES AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:LEGAL MOMENTUM'S HELPLINE RECEIVES SEVERAL HUNDRED CALLS PER YEAR FROM WOMEN SEEKING ASSISTANCE FOR SUCH MATTERS AS EMPLOYMENT ISSUES (SEXUAL HARASSMENT, SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION, PAY EQUITY, PREGNANCY ACCOMMODATION), CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT, GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE. CALLERS ARE PROVIDED WITH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, OR REFERRALS TO OTHER LEGAL SERVICE PROVIDERS (INCLUDING THE PRIVATE BAR), AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.
named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Combating Violence Against Women
Projects include research and policy advocacy for a civil rights remedy for gender-based violence, litigation on behalf of survivors facing workplace discrimination, and online training to help sexual assault victims navigate the criminal justice system.
Sextortion Prevention Initiative
Produces policy guidance to ensure that coercing sexual acts or imagery is recognized as a sex crime, following the 2016 report "A Call to Action: Ending Sextortion in the Digital Age."
VAWA Reauthorization Advocacy
Led efforts to pass reauthorization of the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to improve responses to gender-based violence and expand services for survivors.
Women Valued Initiative
Focuses on advancing gender equality in the workplace and enhancing economic security for women, particularly women of color, low-wage workers, survivors of gender-based violence, and immigrant women. Includes know-your-rights guidance, training, outreach, and policy advocacy.
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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Gender Equity Research and Advocacy 3 activities
- Development of legal toolkits and guidance resourcesCreates and distributes comprehensive legal resources, including the Women's Economic Equality Legal Toolkit for New York State, state-by-state employment rights guides for survivors, and model curricula for judicial education, to support advocates, survivors, and legal professionals.
- Legislative and regulatory advocacy for gender equalityEngages in advocacy at federal, state, and local levels to advance gender equality, including reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), strengthening Title IX enforcement, opposing harmful regulations (e.g., SNAP restrictions, pay data collection rollback), and promoting the Working Women Bill of Rights. Submits public comments, letters to policymakers, and formal policy guidance.
- Research and publication on gender-based legal issuesConducts and publishes research on gender-based violence, economic inequality, sextortion, defamation law for survivors, and legal protections for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Produces reports, toolkits, and data visualizations to inform policy and advocacy.
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Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Education 2 activities
- Judicial education on gender bias and gender-based violenceOperates the National Judicial Education Program (NJEP) to train federal, state, local, and tribal judges on gender bias and the intersection of domestic and sexual violence with the justice system. Provides free online courses and model curricula used by justice system professionals nationwide.
- Legal and rights education for women and youthProvides know-your-rights resources, training, and peer education programs for women, youth, and survivors on issues including workplace rights, Title IX, technology-facilitated abuse, and dating violence. Programs include Rights Now! and the production of accessible legal guides and fact sheets.
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Civil Rights Advocacy & Litigation 1 activity
- Amicus brief participation in key gender rights casesWrites, joins, and authors amicus briefs in high-impact legal cases to advance gender equality, reproductive freedom, and civil rights, including cases on abortion access, racial and sex discrimination in housing and employment, and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
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Pro Bono Legal Representation and Support 1 activity
- Free legal helpline and technical assistanceOperates a no-cost legal helpline offering information, referrals, and assistance to women and girls facing violations of their physical and economic rights in workplaces, schools, and homes.
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Legal Education and Career Pipeline Programs 1 activity
- Legal internship and leadership development programRuns a legal internship program and youth peer education initiatives to train and develop future legal leaders, particularly focused on empowering youth of color to understand and advocate for their rights.
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Women's Empowerment and Leadership Development 1 activity
- Women Valued Initiative for economic justiceOperates the Women Valued Initiative to advance economic justice for marginalized women, particularly women of color, immigrant women, and low-wage workers, through education, coalition-building, and advocacy for legal protections in employment and economic security.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Impact litigation for gender equality and survivors' rightsConducts strategic litigation to remove legal barriers for survivors of gender-based violence, challenge sex discrimination in employment and education, and protect reproductive rights, including cases involving workplace discrimination, non-consensual drug testing, and access to abortion. Litigation efforts include landmark cases under Title IX and Title VII.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$2.02M
Contributions & grants$1.88M93%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$140K7%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$2.07M
Program expenses70%
Admin / overhead23%
Fundraising8%
Salaries & benefits$1.54M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$1.98M
Cash$470K
Investments$493K
Liabilities$891K
Net assets$1.09M
Liquid reserves5.6 mo
5 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +17.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 3
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAROL A BALDWIN MOODY | PRESIDENT & CEO | 50 | $234K |
| SEHER KHAWAJA | DEPUTY LEGAL DIRECTOR | 35 | $142K |
| AZALEEA CARLEA | LEGAL DIRECTOR | 35 | $138K |
board members · 20
- AMY S LEDER — SECRETARY (THRU 05//25)
- CAROLYN D RICHMOND — DIRECTOR
- CATHERINE ZINN — DIRECTOR
- EILEEN SIMON — CHAIR
- ESHA BANDYOPADHYAY — DIRECTOR (THROUGH 11/24)
- G ELAINE WOOD — GENERAL COUNSEL (THRU 11/24)
- GLYNNA CHRISTIAN — VICE CHAIR
- JAY W WAKS — VICE CHAIR (THROUGH 10/24)
- JESSICA S CAREY — DIRECTOR
- KIM GANDY — DIRECTOR (THROUGH 11/24)
- LAURA A WILKINSON — VICE CHAIR (THROUGH 11/24)
- LILY SAFANI — DIRECTOR
- LORI B LESKIN — DIRECTOR
- MARY GAIL GEARNS — FIRST VICE CHAIR
- MEENA L ELLIOTT — FIRST VICE CHAIR (THRU 11/24)
- MEREDITH MOORE — DIRECTOR
- NANCY B SALTZMAN — DIRECTOR (THROUGH 05/25)
- STEPHANIE A SHERIDAN — DIRECTOR
- SUSAN B LINDENAUER — TREASURER
- VILIA B HAYES — DIRECTOR (THROUGH 11/24)
relationships · 18
Who they work with
- Civil Rights Organizations Partner — Collaborates with civil rights organizations to advocate for the rights and bodily autonomy of women, pregnant people, and the LGBTQ+ community.
- Department of Agriculture Government — Submitted advocacy comments regarding SNAP eligibility.
- Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women Funder — Co-funded the development of NJEP's online courses on sexual abuse and domestic violence.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Government — Engaged through formal comments and litigation related to employment discrimination protections.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Government — Submitted public comments advocating for continued collection of employer data to advance pay parity and gender equality.
- NYC Commission on Gender Equity Government — Submitted written testimony on pay equity and root causes of the gender-wage gap.
- NYC Commission on Human Rights Government — Provided 2019 testimony on pregnancy and caregiver discrimination.
- NYS Department of Labor Government — Provided testimony on the impact of COVID-19 on women in the workforce and on the Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy.
- National Judicial Education Program Partner — Operates the National Judicial Education Program (NJEP) to educate justice professionals on gender-based violence.
- New York City Council Young Women's Initiative Funder — Funded the launch of Legal Momentum's Rights Now! program.
- Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe Partner — Collaborated on nationwide legislative policy guidance to classify sextortion as a sex crime.
- Senator Jessica Ramos Partner — Collaborated with Senator Jessica Ramos on legislation to establish pay transparency and increase and index the minimum wage in New York State.
- SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective Partner — Credits SisterSong for the definition of reproductive justice used in its work.
- State Justice Institute Funder — Provided funding for the development of NJEP's online courses.
- Syms Funder — Funder of the Legal Momentum Gender Equality Helpline.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Government — Submitted comments opposing proposed limits on SNAP eligibility.
- U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights Government — Entity to which Legal Momentum submits public comments and advocacy letters regarding Title IX regulations and funding.
- U.S. Department of State Government — Submitted public comment opposing interim final rule on visa ineligibility based on 'public charge' grounds.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Early Intervention Through Legal Empowermentmethodology: early_intervention_through_educationBy providing know-your-rights education and training to low-income women, we prevent workplace violations and promote economic security, because early legal literacy empowers women to assert rights before exploitation occurs.
- Intersectional Advocacy for Gender and Racial Justicemethodology: intersectional_approachBy integrating racial justice into gender equality efforts, we produce more equitable outcomes for women of color, immigrant women, and low-wage workers, because systemic gender discrimination is inextricably linked with institutional racism and cannot be addressed in isolation.
- Multimodal Legal and Institutional Reformmethodology: multi-pronged advocacyBy combining impact litigation, judicial education, legislative advocacy, and public education, we create systemic change in gender equity, because sustained transformation requires simultaneous pressure across legal precedents, institutional practices, and policy frameworks.
- Reproductive Justice as Legal Advocacy Frameworkmethodology: reproductive-justice-frameworkBy grounding legal advocacy in the reproductive justice framework—centering the rights to have a child, not have a child, and parent in safety—we advance gender equity, because abortion access and reproductive autonomy are inseparable from economic and racial justice, particularly for survivors and women of color.
- Trauma-Informed Systems Changemethodology: trauma_informed_systemsBy applying trauma-informed education and policy reforms to legal and justice systems, we improve fairness and effectiveness in cases of gender-based violence, because understanding trauma improves institutional responses and reduces re-victimization.