New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated logo

New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated

Public charity · Grantmaker New York, NY EIN: 13-3505428 Website

New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) is a public charity based in New York, New York. It provides free civil legal services and related support to New Yorkers experiencing poverty or crisis, and uses litigation, policy advocacy, financial empowerment, and community partnerships to address injustice.

Key facts about New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated

In short: New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated gave $2.3M across 13 grants in 2025 (avg $179K), mostly in New York. 8% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.

EIN
13-3505428
Latest 990 filing
Form 990, 2025
Annual giving (2025)
$2,331,041
Grants made (2025)
13
Average grant
$179,311
Median grant
$108,290
New grantees (estimate)
8% first-time grantees (1 of 13, 2025; small sample)
Total assets
$93,683,143
Primary geography
New York (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)

Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).

Financial Overview

From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing

Total Assets

$93.7M

+4.3% YoY

Annual Giving

$2.3M

+24.4% YoY

Grant Count

13

+0.0% YoY

Avg Grant Size

$179K

+24.4% YoY

Is New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated open to new grantees?

8%

first-time grantees, 2025

In 2025, 1 of 13 grantees (8%) were first-time recipients. With only 13 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. First grants averaged $10K; repeat grants $193K. How we count

Medians: $10K first-time, $110K repeat.

  • 92% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
  • Giving grew 316% from 2022 to 2025. Method

Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.

Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.

Mission & Focus Areas

NYLAG says its mission is to use the power of law to help New Yorkers experiencing poverty or crisis combat economic, racial, and social injustice. Its website describes work that includes free civil legal services, financial empowerment, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community partnerships. It identifies housing, domestic violence and family law, elder law and disability rights, immigration and refugee rights, consumer protection, special education, employment law, LGBTQ+ rights, and veterans’ benefits among the areas it serves.

The 2025 grants were reported as “grant subcontracts.” The listed recipients illustrate the kinds of organizations funded: UNLOCAL describes its mission as providing immigration legal and other assistance services; Make the Road New York says it builds the power of immigrant and working-class communities to achieve dignity and justice; and African Communities Together says it empowers African immigrants to integrate socially, advance economically, and engage civically. Catholic Migration Services describes providing legal services to immigrants, while Violence Intervention Program says it supports Latina survivors of domestic violence through culturally competent services.

Grantmaking

In filing year 2025, NYLAG reported 13 grants totaling $2,331,041. Grants ranged from $7,500 to $753,213, with a median of $108,290. The largest listed awards were $753,213 to UNLOCAL, $500,000 to Make the Road New York, $273,892 to African Communities Together, and $245,443 to MASA. Each was reported for “grant subcontracts.”

NYLAG’s 2024 filing says it monitors organizations’ use of grants by reviewing detailed applications for cash assistance and checking that they comply with funding requirements.

Your AI grants department

Ready to take the next step with New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated?

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

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

NYLAG is based in New York, New York. All grant dollars reported for filing year 2025 went to recipients in New York State. NYLAG’s website says its services primarily help people living or residing in New York, while noting that some class-action cases have national impact.

Grant Distribution by State

1state

Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 13 itemized grants.

States

Cities

BrooklynNew YorkBronxFlushingTriborough StationBroklynFar RockawayRiverdale

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$1M$2M$3M8 grants2019 11 grants2020 10 grants2021 9 grants2022 12 grants2023 13 grants2024 13 grants2025

From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $426K (2019) to $2.3M (2025). In 2025 it made 13 grants totaling $2.3M.

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2025

Unlocal: $753KUnlocal$753KMake the Road New York: $500KMake the Road New York$500KAfrican Communities Together: $274KAfrican Communities Together$274KMasa: $245KMasa$245KArab American Association of New York: $148KArab American Association ofNew York$148KAccess Justice Brooklyn: $112KAccess Justice Brooklyn$112KNew York County Lawyer's Association: $108KNew York County Lawyer'sAssociation$108KCatholic Migration Services: $100KCatholic Migration Services$100KChinese-American Planning Council Inc: $53KChinese-American PlanningCouncil Inc$53KArab American Family Support Center Inc: $10KArab American Family SupportCenter Inc$10K

The largest 2025 recipient was Unlocal ($753K). Together the top 10 received $2.3M.

Grant Size Distribution

57 grants across all recorded years

21<$50K12$50–100K18$100–250K3$250–500K3$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 21 grants of 57 (37%).

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
Unlocal New York, NYGrant Subcontracts$753,213
Make the Road New York Brooklyn, NYGrant Subcontracts$500,000
African Communities Together New York, NYGrant Subcontracts$273,892
Masa Bronx, NYGrant Subcontracts$245,443
Arab American Association of New York Brooklyn, NYGrant Subcontracts$148,084
Access Justice Brooklyn Brooklyn, NYGrant Subcontracts$112,475
New York County Lawyer's Association New York, NYGrant Subcontracts$108,290
Catholic Migration Services Brooklyn, NYGrant Subcontracts$100,000
Chinese-American Planning Council Inc New York, NYGrant Subcontracts$53,139
Arab American Family Support Center Inc Brooklyn, NYGrant Subcontracts$10,182

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Filing year Assets Revenue Expenses Grants given
2025 $93,683,143 $60,803,645 $57,410,206 $2,331,041
2024 $89,820,948 $53,810,824 $51,475,452 $1,874,310
2023 $89,734,166 $47,414,824 $46,474,690 $1,120,581
Revenue
Expenses
Net Investment Income
$0$20M$40M$60M$80M2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Metric202520242023
Total Assets$93,683,143$89,820,948$89,734,166
Revenue$60,803,645$53,810,824$47,414,824
Expenses$57,410,206$51,475,452$46,474,690
Net Investment Income$201,509$162,410$83,010

Data update history

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 11, 2021)
  2. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 12, 2022)
  3. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 12, 2023)
  4. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 15, 2024)
  5. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 14, 2025)
  6. Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS June 9, 2020)
  7. Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 12, 2026)
  8. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

The 2025 filing lists Bridget M. Healy, Esq., as chair; Jeffrey Herbert, Esq., as vice chair and secretary; and Kerri Ann Law, Esq., as treasurer. It also lists Anirudh Bansal, Boyd Johnson, Caroline Zalka, Carolyn Renzin, Elkan Abramowitz, James E. Brandt, and Jessica Ortiz as board members.

New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated is led by Lisa Rivera, President & CEO since 2022 (on filings since 2019); 10 of 34 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.

Officers on the 2025 filing

  • Lisa Rivera

    President & CEO

    Managing Attorney → President & CEO, 2022

    On filings since 2019

    40 hrs/week

    $133K (2019) → $241K (2025)

  • Bridget M. Healy Esq.

    Chair

    Board Member → Vice Chair, 2024

    Vice Chair → Chair, 2025

    On filings since 2019

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Randye Retkin

    Director

    Director & Legal Health → Director, 2022

    On filings since 2019

    40 hrs/week

    $184K (2019) → $169K (2025)

  • Emily Ward

    Director, Institutional Giving & Govt

    New on the 2025 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $149K (2025)

  • Melissa Lim Chua

    Director of Immigrant Protection

    New on the 2025 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $148K (2025)

  • Alison Lavan

    Chief Financial Officer

    On filings since 2019

    40 hrs/week

    $135K (2019) → $205K (2025)

  • Randal S. Jeffrey

    General Counsel

    On filings since 2019

    40 hrs/week

    $149K (2019) → $181K (2025)

  • Sara Meyers

    Chief Operating Officer

    On filings since 2019

    40 hrs/week

    $178K (2019) → $232K (2025)

  • Courtney Ball

    Chief Diversity & People

    Chief Diversity & People Officer → Chief Diversity & People, 2025

    On filings since 2023

    40 hrs/week

    $165K (2023) → $181K (2025)

  • Shana Adess

    Vice President

    On filings since 2024

    40 hrs/week

    $175K (2024) → $181K (2025)

  • Jill Elizabeth Maxwell

    Vice President

    New on the 2025 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $181K (2025)

  • Elkan Abramowitz Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2019

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • James E. Brandt Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2019

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Jill L. Rosenberg Esq.

    Board Member

    Chair → Board Member, 2024

    On filings since 2019

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Joseph Baumgarten Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2019

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Joseph Polizzotto Esq.

    Board Member

    Vice Chair → Chair, 2024

    Chair → Board Member, 2025

    On filings since 2019

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Matthew Biben Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2019

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Paul Levy Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2019

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Ron Abramson Esq.

    Board Member

    Secretary → Board Member, 2024

    On filings since 2019

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Scott D. Musoff Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2019

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Sharon Cohen Levin Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2019

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Jeffrey Herbert Esq.

    Vice Chair & Secretary

    Board Member → Secretary, 2024

    Secretary → Vice Chair & Secretary, 2025

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Boyd Johnson Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2021

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Jessica Ortiz Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2021

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Kerri Ann Law Esq.

    Treasurer

    Board Member → Treasurer, 2024

    On filings since 2021

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Randall Jackson Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2021

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Anirudh Bansal Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Caroline Zalka Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2023

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Kevin Schwartz Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2023

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Michael Paskin Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2023

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Ryan P. Poscablo Esq.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2024

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Carolyn Renzin Esq.

    Board Member

    New on the 2025 filing

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Sara Catherine Valenzuela

    Board Member

    New on the 2025 filing

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Yawar Shah

    Board Member

    New on the 2025 filing

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

Former officers (27)
  • Former: Joseph S. Allerhand Esq. (2019–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Michele Cohn Tocci (2019–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Richard Zabel Esq. (2019–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: David L. Sultanikcpa (2020–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Julie Brandfield (2020–2024) — Associate Director
  • Former: Lauren Goldberg Esq. (2020–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Carolina Fornos (2021–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Munir Pujara (2024) — Senior Supervising Attorney
  • Former: Rose Marie Cantanno (2024) — Associate Director
  • Former: Beth Goldman Esq. (2019–2023) — President & Attorney-In-Charge
  • Former: Daniel S. Alter Esq. (2019–2023) — Treasurer
  • Former: Theodore N. Mirvis Esq. (2019–2023) — Board Member
  • Former: Valerie J. Bogart (2019–2023) — Director
  • Former: Milton Williams Esq. (2020–2023) — Board Member
  • Former: Elvira Pinkhasova (2022–2023) — Supervising Attorney
  • Former: Olga Avrasina (2022–2023) — Supervising Attorney
  • Former: Abby S. Milstein Esq. (2019–2022) — Board Member
  • Former: Linda Jesselson Esq. (2019–2022) — Board Member
  • Former: Caprice Jenerson (2019–2021) — Director, Pro Bono & Volunteer
  • Former: David I. Sultanik Esq. (2019–2021) — Board Member
  • Former: Paul S. Pearlman Esq. (2019–2021) — Board Member
  • Former: Beth Goldman Esq President (2021) — Attorney-In-Charge
  • Former: Ira Akselrad (2019–2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Lewis J. Liman Esq. (2019–2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Stephen A. Radin Esq. (2019–2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Irina Matiychenko (2019) — Director & Immigrant Protection
  • Former: Laura Davis (2019) — Director Seu & Hcap

Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.

Compensation Overview

From 2025 IRS filing

Lisa Rivera — President & CEO: $241KLisa RiveraPresident & CEO$241KSara Meyers — Chief Operating Officer: $232KSara MeyersChief Operating Officer$232KAlison Lavan — Chief Financial Officer: $205KAlison LavanChief Financial Officer$205KShana Adess — Vice President: $181KShana AdessVice President$181KCourtney Ball — Chief Diversity and People: $181KCourtney BallChief Diversity and People$181KRandal S Jeffrey — General Counsel: $181KRandal S JeffreyGeneral Counsel$181KJill Elizabeth Maxwell — Vice President: $181KJill Elizabeth MaxwellVice President$181KRandye Retkin — Director: $169KRandye RetkinDirector$169KEmily Ward — DIR, Institutional Giving & Govt: $149KEmily WardDIR, Institutional Giving & Govt$149KMelissa Lim Chua — Director of Immigrant Protection: $148KMelissa Lim ChuaDirector of Immigrant Protection$148K

The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $241K, to Lisa Rivera (President & CEO). 10 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.

Contact

Mailing address: 100 Pearl Street 19Th Floor, New York, NY 10004
Phone: (212) 613-5000
Website: https://nylag.org

Frequently asked questions about New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated

How much does New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated give each year?

New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated gave $2.3M across 13 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.9M across 13 grants.

What is New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated's typical grant size?

New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated's median grant in 2025 was $108,290, and its average grant was $179,311, across 13 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated that year got $10K on average.

Where does New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated give grants?

New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated gives mostly in New York: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Brooklyn, NY (5 grants) and New York, NY (4 grants).

Does New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated give general operating support?

Not in 2025: none of the 13 grants with a stated purpose on New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Grant Subcontracts" (13 grants).

Who are New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated's largest grantees?

New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated's largest 2025 grantees include Unlocal ($753,213), Make the Road New York ($500,000) and African Communities Together ($273,892), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 66% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.

How large is New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated?

New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated reported $93.7M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $60.8M.

What does New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated fund?

NYLAG says its mission is to use the power of law to help New Yorkers experiencing poverty or crisis combat economic, racial, and social injustice. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated?

New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check nylag.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.

What is New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated's EIN?

New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-3505428. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.

Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.

Your AI grants department

Here's the math on researching New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated by hand.

Explore Open Grants

Browse active grant opportunities in New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated's focus areas in our free grants database

Similar Funders

Funders that support many of the same organizations

The ONG Family Foundation Co Law Office

New York, NY

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$1.1M

Grants

5

Total Given

$10K

Booth Ferris Foundation

Chicago, IL

The Booth Ferris Foundation funds New York City nonprofit capacity building and K–12 education, as well as higher education institutions across New York State. Recent grants ranged from $25,000 to $150,000, with a median of $100,000; its K–12 and higher education programs list awards of $50,000–$200,000. It directs applicants to online grant materials, and the filing says it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations.

Assets

$203.2M

Grants

93

Total Given

$10.4M

Robin Hood Foundation

New York, NY

Robin Hood funds effective poverty-fighting programs serving low-income New Yorkers, including work in education, health, employment, housing, and household support, primarily across New York City’s five boroughs. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $309,000, with amounts ranging from $17,000 to $5.36 million. It does not accept unsolicited requests, but eligible organizations can submit an expression of interest and apply to periodic funding opportunities.

Assets

$334.5M

Grants

249

Total Given

$126.3M

National Immigration Law Center

Washington, DC

The National Immigration Law Center funds organizations advancing the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants, including legal aid, policy advocacy, and community work. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,400 to $250,000, with a median of $10,000, and went to organizations in multiple states, led by California and Washington, DC. It identifies organizations aligned with its goals; the profile does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy

Assets

$39.2M

Grants

31

Total Given

$978K

Brooklyn Community Foundation

Brooklyn, NY

Brooklyn Org funds nonprofits working to advance racial justice and address poverty, inequality, and community needs, with a priority on BIPOC-led organizations in low-income Brooklyn communities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $20,000 to $100,000, with a median of $45,000; it focuses primarily on Brooklyn. Its General Operating Support program accepts applications at any time, though selected organizations are invited to submit a full proposal.

Assets

$142.0M

Grants

93

Total Given

$4.7M

Asian American Coalition for Children and Families Inc

New York, NY

CACF funds nonprofit capacity-building and community programs serving AAPI children, families, and communities, including work on mental health, safety, social services, and belonging. Its 2024 grants had a median of $36,769; its AAPI Community Development Fund offers $5,000–$30,000 for eligible organizations across New York State, while other grants support organizations in New York City. Applications are accepted for the AAPI Community Development Fund, and CACF also assesses applications from eligible groups for the Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund.

Crime & Legal Related

Assets

$13.4M

Grants

97

Total Given

$12.3M

The New York Bar Foundation

Albany, NY

The New York Bar Foundation funds New York State organizations working on civil legal services and other law-related projects, including access to justice, legal education, ethics, and public understanding of the law. Recent grants ranged from $5,109 to $90,000, with a median of $7,975. Applications are submitted through its online system; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.

Crime & Legal Related

Assets

$13.5M

Grants

46

Total Given

$469K

New York Immigration Coalition Inc

New York, NY

NYIC regrants to community organizations for immigrant and refugee services, including legal assistance, case management, navigation, civic participation, and organizational capacity-building. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,528 to $500,685, with a median of $162,500, and went to organizations across New York State. It describes opportunities for member organizations, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$39.4M

Grants

48

Total Given

$8.3M

Immigrant Justice Corps Inc

New York, NY

Immigrant Justice Corps funds organizations that host its fellows and provide immigration legal services, including removal defense, asylum, and other legal relief for immigrants. In 2025, grants ranged from $34,495 to $623,160, with a median of $117,188, supporting partners across more than 30 states. Grants are made under fellowship agreements; no open application process is described.

Assets

$49.8M

Grants

108

Total Given

$16.4M

Tiger Foundation

New York, NY

Tiger Foundation funds proven, high-impact direct services in education, family support, and youth, workforce, and justice for communities in New York City’s five boroughs. Its stated grant range is $50,000–$300,000, with a 2024 median grant of $200,000. It accepts unsolicited requests from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, with letters of inquiry reviewed on a rolling basis.

Assets

$106.6M

Grants

50

Total Given

$10.5M

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation Inc

New York, NY

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation funds healthcare access and related services, basic needs, workforce development, mental and behavioral health, and other projects improving the wellbeing of vulnerable New Yorkers. It gives throughout New York State, with a typical grant around $200,000 (2024 median; awards ranged from $100 to $4.2 million). It accepts Letters of Inquiry through an application process, but the 2026 process is closed.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$3.9B

Grants

601

Total Given

$172.6M

FWDUS Education Fund Inc

Washington, DC

FWDUS Education Fund supports public education, research, policy analysis, and related work on immigration and criminal justice, including immigrants’ rights and incarceration. Its 2024 grants ranged from $6,000 to $294,500, with a median of $25,000; funding went mainly to organizations in DC, California, and New York, with grants also reaching other states. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$18.1M

Grants

67

Total Given

$2.7M

More Funders in New York

New York Legal Assistance Group Incorporated down — hundreds of funders to go?

Want AI to do this for you?