The Pennsylvania Innocence Project

“Form 990 is reviewed and approved by the Executive Director, Per Diem Accountant and current Treasurer prior to filing.”

“The Executive Director closely monitors the COI policy on an on-going basis.”

“The Board of Directors meet in executive session to review and set the salaries of the top management official (Executive Director) and certain others, using all necessary data to establish fair and appropriate salaries for an agency the size and complexity of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project.”

“Organizing documents, financial and policy statements are made available to the public upon request.”

“The Pennsylvania Innocence Project ("PaIP") has a four-fold mission to: (1) secure the exoneration, release from imprisonment, and restoration to society of persons who are innocent and have been wrongly convicted; (2) provide clinical training and experience to students in the fields of law, journalism, criminal justice, and forensic science; (3) collaborate with law enforcement agencies and the courts to address systemic causes of wrongful convictions; and (4) strengthen and improve the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in Pennsylvania through public education and advocacy.”

“Public Education and advocacy Our staff presented over a dozen Continuing Legal Education programs and training sessions at law firms, law schools, and for criminal law practitioners (both prosecution and defense). These include presenting sessions at the June 2019 Annual Criminal Law Symposium hosted by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute on Post Conviction Relief Act updates and on litigating alleged Shaken Baby Syndrome Cases. We also presented on best practices for case evaluations and pre-trial consultations at the May 2019 Innocence Network Northeast Regional Summit. Clinical Education Throughout the year we continued to work with clinical students from Temple, Villanova, Drexel, the University of Pennsylvania, the University Pittsburgh law schools. We also work with undergraduate and high school students and master's in social work candidates. In 2019 we hosted 42 interns in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia offices Support from Volunteer attorneys The Project relies on the expertise of volunteer attorneys who provide invaluable assistance reviewing cases to determine actual innocence and acting as co-counsel in litigation. In 2019 attorneys from over 34 law firms provided 6,645 hours of legal assistance. We regularly conduct training of volunteers and work closely to ensure they have the information and support they need to excel. Reentry Services In March 2019, the Project launched the peer-to-peer exoneree support, Transition to Innocence, which is co-facilitated by our licensed clinical social worker and Shaurn Thomas, a trained peer facilitator who is an exoneree. Over twenty exonerees participated in the group in 2019 which provides essential support. Staff developments The Board of Directors conducted a nationwide search and in August 2019, Nan Feyler, a seasoned public interest attorney and nonprofit director joined the agency as executive director. During her career Ms. Feyler has served as Deputy Commissioner for Public Health Programs in the City of Philadelphia's Department of Public Health and served as the Executive Director of Nationalities Service Center, and the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania. Ms. Feyler graduated from New York University School of Law and received her Master's in Public Health from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.”

“Other professional fees: Program service expenses 64,623. Management and general expenses 12,512. Fundraising expenses 93,635. Total expenses 170,770.”