Acacia Center for Justice logo

Acacia Center for Justice

Foundation · Grantmaker Washington, DC EIN: 87-4099467 Website

Acacia coordinates large-scale immigrant legal assistance and defense networks, providing exceptional legal services and expanding the infrastructure necessary to ensure access to justice, fairness, and freedom for all immigrants.

Key facts about Acacia Center for Justice

In short: Acacia Center for Justice gave $5.0M across 17 grants in 2024 (avg $294K), mostly in California. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990 filing.

EIN
87-4099467
Latest 990 filing
Form 990 filing, 2024
Annual giving (2024)
$4,996,131
Grants made (2024)
17
Average grant
$293,890
Median grant
$267,367
Total assets
$114,465,138
Primary geography
California (93% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)

Data from IRS Form 990 filing, 2024; updated September 2026.

Financial Overview

From 2024 IRS Form 990 filing · View filing

Total Assets

$114.5M

+122.5% YoY

Annual Giving

$5.0M

Grant Count

17

Avg Grant Size

$294K

About Acacia Center for Justice

Based on IRS filings

Acacia Center for Justice is a nonprofit organization focused on Human Services, based in Washington, DC. IRS filing data is available from 2022 through 2024. As of 2024, the organization holds $114.5M in total assets. In 2024, it awarded 17 grants totaling $5.0M. Net investment income was $606.

Focus Areas

Your AI grants department

Ready to take the next step with Acacia Center for Justice?

Fully replaces Grant database subscriptions Instrumentl · Foundation Directory · GrantStation & similar

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

Grant Distribution by State

3states

Share of all 17 itemized 2024 grant dollars.

Cities

Los AngelesBerkeleyOaklandSacramentoAtlantaMonterey ParkSan FranciscoSan RafaelWashington

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$2M$4M$6M0 grants20220 grants202317 grants2024

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2024

Community Justice Alliance Inc: $613KCommunity Justice Alliance Inc$613KImmigration Center for Women and Children: $588KImmigration Center for Womenand Children$588KCentral American Resource Center - Carecen - of California: $542KCentral American ResourceCenter - Carecen - of…$542KCatholic Charities of Los Angeles Inc: $533KCatholic Charities of LosAngeles Inc$533KKind Inc: $348KKind Inc$348KCanal Alliance: $307KCanal Alliance$307KEast Bay Sanctuary Covenant: $294KEast Bay Sanctuary Covenant$294KEast Bay Community Law Center: $279KEast Bay Community Law Center$279KBet Tzedek: $267KBet Tzedek$267KImmigrant Defenders Law Center: $233KImmigrant Defenders Law Center$233K

Grant Size Distribution

17 grants across all recorded years

1<$50K$50–100K7$100–250K5$250–500K4$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
COMMUNITY JUSTICE ALLIANCE INC Sacramento, CACHILDREN'S HOLISTIC IMMIGRATION REPRESENTATION PROJECT SUPPORT$613,487
IMMIGRATION CENTER FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN Los Angeles, CACHILDREN'S HOLISTIC IMMIGRATION REPRESENTATION PROJECT SUPPORT$588,110
CENTRAL AMERICAN RESOURCE CENTER - CARECEN - OF CALIFORNIA Los Angeles, CACHILDREN'S HOLISTIC IMMIGRATION REPRESENTATION PROJECT SUPPORT$542,454
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF LOS ANGELES INC Los Angeles, CACHILDREN'S HOLISTIC IMMIGRATION REPRESENTATION PROJECT SUPPORT$533,213
KIND INC Washington, DCCHILDREN'S HOLISTIC IMMIGRATION REPRESENTATION PROJECT SUPPORT$348,422
CANAL ALLIANCE San Rafael, CACHILDREN'S HOLISTIC IMMIGRATION REPRESENTATION PROJECT SUPPORT$306,608
EAST BAY SANCTUARY COVENANT Berkeley, CACHILDREN'S HOLISTIC IMMIGRATION REPRESENTATION PROJECT SUPPORT$294,087
EAST BAY COMMUNITY LAW CENTER Berkeley, CACHILDREN'S HOLISTIC IMMIGRATION REPRESENTATION PROJECT SUPPORT$278,643
BET TZEDEK Los Angeles, CACHILDREN'S HOLISTIC IMMIGRATION REPRESENTATION PROJECT SUPPORT$267,367
IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER Los Angeles, CACHILDREN'S HOLISTIC IMMIGRATION REPRESENTATION PROJECT SUPPORT$232,594

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Revenue
Expenses
Qualifying Distributions
Net Investment Income
$0$100M$200M$300M$400M202220232024
Metric202420232022
Total Assets$114,465,138$51,440,759$17,081,960
Revenue$353,995,304$87,600,743$22,476,850
Expenses$326,816,853$80,440,553$19,249,676
Qualifying Distributions———
Net Investment Income$606$15,311—
Distributable Amount———

Data update history

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2022–2024

Leadership & Key People

Officers and directors from IRS filings

Acacia Center for Justice is led by Olisa Shaina Aber-Hanson, Executive Director on the 2024 filing; 11 of 25 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.

Officers on the 2024 filing

  • Olisa Shaina Aber-Hanson

    Executive Director

    New on the 2024 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $219K (2024)

  • Andrew Genz

    Board Chair

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Adepeju Onile-Ere

    Managing Director of Its

    On filings since 2023

    40 hrs/week

    $185K (2023) → $192K (2024)

  • Philip Kretsedemas

    Managing Director for Reda

    On filings since 2023

    40 hrs/week

    $166K (2023) → $173K (2024)

  • Clarisa Ailin Buigues

    Managing Director of Legal Representation

    New on the 2024 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $180K (2024)

  • Cassandra Lopez Managing

    Director of Learning & Development

    New on the 2024 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $172K (2024)

  • Sara Van Hofwegen Managing

    Director & Legal Access Programs

    New on the 2024 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $173K (2024)

  • David Nidiffer

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Eileen Blessinger

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Jaya Ramji-Nogales

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Jojo Annobil

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Joy Olson

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Judy London

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Luke Meier

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Marsha Griffin

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Oren Root

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Rachel Jordan

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Sam Elkin

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Jazmin Chavez

    Director

    New on the 2024 filing

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Jessica Lee

    Chief Financial Officer

    On filings since 2022

    40 hrs/week

    $85K (2022) → $210K (2024)

  • Leah Prestamo

    General Counsel

    General Counsel & Secretary → General Counsel, 2024

    On filings since 2022

    40 hrs/week

    $87K (2022) → $198K (2024)

  • Anne Marie Mulcahy

    Chief Program Officer

    On filings since 2023

    40 hrs/week

    $187K (2023) → $194K (2024)

  • Charles Slocumb

    Chief Operations & People Operations

    Chief Operations & People Officer → Chief Operations & People Operations, 2024

    On filings since 2023

    40 hrs/week

    $190K (2023) → $197K (2024)

  • Bettina Rodriguez Schlegel

    Chief of Staff

    New on the 2024 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $185K (2024)

  • Julia Hedlund

    Treasurer

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

Former officers (6)
  • Former: Oscar Chacon (2022–2023) — Director
  • Former: Shaina Aber-Hanson (2022–2023) — Executive Director
  • Former: Adela Mason (2023) — Director, Helpdesk & Family Group
  • Former: Cassandra Lopez (2023) — Managing Director of Legal Rep Programs
  • Former: Tania Sawczuk (2023) — Managing Director of Tech Compliance
  • Former: Michael Lukens (2022) — Secretary

Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2022–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.

Compensation Overview

From 2024 IRS filing

Olisa Shaina Aber-Hanson — Executive Director: $219KOlisa Shaina Aber-HansonExecutive Director$219KJessica Lee — Chief Financial Officer: $210KJessica LeeChief Financial Officer$210KLeah Prestamo — General Counsel: $198KLeah PrestamoGeneral Counsel$198KCharles Slocumb — Chief Operations and People Operations: $197KCharles SlocumbChief Operations and People…$197KAnne Marie Mulcahy — Chief Program Officer: $194KAnne Marie MulcahyChief Program Officer$194KAdepeju Onile-Ere — Managing Director of Its: $192KAdepeju Onile-EreManaging Director of Its$192KBettina Rodriguez Schlegel — Chief of Staff: $185KBettina Rodriguez…Chief of Staff$185KClarisa Ailin Buigues — Managing Director of Legal Representation: $180KClarisa Ailin BuiguesManaging Director of Legal…$180KSara Van Hofwegen Managing — Director, Legal Access Programs: $173KSara Van Hofwegen…Director, Legal Access Programs$173KPhilip Kretsedemas — Managing Director for Reda: $173KPhilip KretsedemasManaging Director for Reda$173KCassandra Lopez Managing — Director of Learning & Development: $172KCassandra Lopez ManagingDirector of Learning &…$172K

Frequently asked questions about Acacia Center for Justice

How much does Acacia Center for Justice give each year?

Acacia Center for Justice gave $5.0M across 17 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing.

What is Acacia Center for Justice's typical grant size?

Acacia Center for Justice's median grant in 2024 was $267,367, and its average grant was $293,890, across 17 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing.

Where does Acacia Center for Justice give grants?

Acacia Center for Justice gives mostly in California: 93% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing went to recipients there. The next largest state was District of Columbia (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Los Angeles, CA (6 grants), Sacramento, CA (2 grants), Berkeley, CA (2 grants) and Oakland, CA (2 grants).

Does Acacia Center for Justice give general operating support?

Not in 2024: none of the 17 grants with a stated purpose on Acacia Center for Justice's 2024 IRS Form 990 filing were described as general or operating support.

Who are Acacia Center for Justice's largest grantees?

Acacia Center for Justice's largest 2024 grantees include Community Justice Alliance Inc ($613,487), Immigration Center for Women and Children ($588,110) and Central American Resource Center - Carecen - of California ($542,454), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Together they received 35% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.

How large is Acacia Center for Justice?

Acacia Center for Justice reported $114.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Its revenue that year was $354.0M.

What is Acacia Center for Justice?

Acacia Center for Justice is a nonprofit organization focused on Human Services, based in Washington, DC. It holds $114.5M in total assets as of 2024.

What is Acacia Center for Justice's EIN?

Acacia Center for Justice's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 87-4099467. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2022–2024.

Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.

Your AI grants department

Here's the math on researching Acacia Center for Justice by hand.

Explore Open Grants

Browse active grant opportunities in Acacia Center for Justice's focus areas in our free grants database

Similar Funders

Funders that support many of the same organizations

Vera Institute of Justice Inc

Brooklyn, NY

Vera Institute of Justice funds organizations working to reduce incarceration and detention, advance immigrant justice, and support community-based approaches and people affected by justice systems. Its 2025 grants ranged from $6,720 to $560,598, with a median of $45,000, and supported work across multiple states; organizations should apply only to specific open opportunities, as unsolicited requests are not addressed.

Crime & Legal Related

Assets

$144.6M

Grants

28

Total Given

$2.1M

Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc

Silver Spring, MD

CLINIC funds nonprofit immigration legal service providers and related efforts such as staff training, citizenship and naturalization services, and access to convenings. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,100 to $1.53 million, with a median of about $99,000; recipients were across the United States, though 93% of grant dollars went to California. Whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.

Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy

Assets

$18.2M

Grants

110

Total Given

$14.3M

The California Endowment

Los Angeles, CA

The California Endowment funds health and racial equity, including health care access, community health, organizing, and policy change, primarily in California. Its 2024 grants had a median of $100,000, though amounts varied widely; it does not accept unsolicited requests and funds preselected organizations only.

Assets

$4.5B

Grants

1,125

Total Given

$215.9M

California Access to Justice Commission

Carmichael, CA

The California Access to Justice Commission funds California nonprofits providing civil legal aid to indigent people, with grants supporting legal-service infrastructure, innovation, and expanded access for underserved communities. Recent and current opportunities typically offer $25,000–$200,000 per project, though reported 2025 grants ranged from $10,000 to $350,000. Applications are accepted through specific grant opportunities; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.

Assets

$6.7M

Grants

101

Total Given

$6.1M

Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Mountain View, CA

Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$12.3B

Grants

3,576

Total Given

$3.2B

Tides Foundation

San Francisco, CA

Tides Foundation funds community-led organizations advancing equity and justice, including work on health, climate, gender equity, democracy, and immigrant communities. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000, though amounts varied widely, and it funds eligible organizations in the U.S. and abroad, with the most grant dollars going to California, New York, and Washington, D.C. Some programs are open or invitation-only; the Advancing Girls Fund is listed as open, but the profile does not state a general policy on unsolicited grant requests.

Assets

$534.5M

Grants

2,110

Total Given

$382.1M

California Community Foundation

Los Angeles, CA

The California Community Foundation funds work in education, health, housing, immigration, and other community needs, primarily in Los Angeles County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, though amounts varied widely; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests.

Assets

$2.3B

Grants

2,174

Total Given

$326.6M

Equal Justice Works

Washington, DC

Equal Justice Works supports fellowships and legal services organizations addressing unmet civil legal needs, including housing, disaster resilience, financial empowerment, and advocacy for underserved communities. Its 2023 grants averaged about $63,000, with awards ranging from smaller grants to more than $270,000, for work across the United States. It recruits applicants and host organizations for specific fellowship programs; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$41.0M

Grants

201

Total Given

$12.5M

The James Irvine Foundation

San Francisco, CA

The James Irvine Foundation funds initiatives that help low-income Californians advance economically, including career opportunities, worker rights, inclusive local economies, and related policies and housing affordability. Its 2024 grants ranged from $150 to $11.15 million, with a median of $10,000; its focus is California. It does not accept unsolicited funding requests or inquiries and gives only to preselected organizations.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$3.4B

Grants

654

Total Given

$154.1M

The California Wellness Foundation

Los Angeles, CA

The California Wellness Foundation funds California-focused work to improve health and wellness, including community-led efforts, direct services, advocacy, and civic engagement. Its 2024 grants ranged from $150 to $1 million, with a median of $7,500. It is not accepting unsolicited requests in 2026.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$1.0B

Grants

681

Total Given

$48.8M

The Morrison & Foerster Foundation

San Francisco, CA

The Morrison & Foerster Foundation funds U.S. nonprofits serving communities where the firm’s personnel live and work, with priorities including disadvantaged children and youth, legal services, scholarships and fellowships, health and basic needs, and the arts. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,100 to $335,000, with a median of $10,000; the largest shares went to California, New York, and Washington, D.C. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$3.2M

Grants

228

Total Given

$4.6M

NCRC Community Development Fund Inc

Washington, DC

NCRC Community Development Fund supports affordable housing and homeownership, small businesses—especially minority-owned, women-owned, and low-income businesses—and certain nonprofit programs that provide capital or services to underserved communities. Its listed awards range from $5,000 to $50,000, though typical giving is not stated; it serves communities across the U.S., with some programs focused on Illinois. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$55.6M

Grants

2,666

Total Given

$149.3M

More Funders in District of Columbia

Acacia Center for Justice down — hundreds of funders to go?

Want AI to do this for you?