The Bronx Defenders

“Form 1023 and form 990 are available for public inspection upon request. The audited financial statements and form 990 are also readily available on the organization's own website.”

“The 990 is reviewed and approved by both upper management and the finance committee members of the board of directors prior to submission. The audit committee of the board of directors approves the final audited financials, letter, and any organizational responses to the audit. If a board member has any questions, they discuss it with upper management and any required changes to the 990 are ommunicated to the preparer who updates the 990 prior to filing. Any further omissions or corrections are subsequently made in an amended 990 filing.”

“Officers, directors, and key employees are required annually to complete a conflict of interest form on which they list any potential conflicts. If a conflict arises, officers, directors, or key employees must disclose the potential conflict which triggers the organization's conflict of interest policy. The audit committee oversees the policy. Pursuant to the policy, the officer, director, or key employee is required to recuse themself from partaking in any deliberations or voting on the matter in conflict.”

“The Compensation Committee will continue to assess the Executive Director's performance and track compensation. An annual assessment and review of competitive rates of compensation for Executive Directors of similarly situated not for profit and legal organizations are conducted. Based on the independently aggregated information, the compensation committee makes a formal recommendation to the Board and the decision is fully documented.”

“The governing documents, financial statements, and conflict policy can be made available to the public upon request.”

“The bronx defenders is a public defender office committed to radically transforming how people in the bronx are represented in our legal system and, in doing so, transforming the system itself. We have developed a groundbreaking, nationally recognized model of holistic defense that achieves better outcomes for the people we represent. Each year, we defend over 20,000 low-income people in criminal, civil, family, and immigration cases, and reach thousands more through our community intake and outreach programs. Today, we continue reimagining the role of public defense, using community organizing, legislative advocacy, and impact litigation to partner with the communities we serve to bring about systemic change.”