Where Did BLM Money Go
The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation received significant donations during 2020 and 2021, with public filings showing millions in revenue and grants disbursed. IRS Form 990 data and investigative reports indicate that funds were directed to chapters, affiliated nonprofits, and external organizations focused on racial justice and community programs. The foundation reported grants to groups such as the Movement for Black Lives and local chapters across the United States. Some funds were also used for operational costs, staff salaries, and administrative expenses, as disclosed in tax filings and financial summaries reviewed by outlets like Forbes and ProPublica.
In 2020, the foundation reported receiving tens of millions in donations following nationwide protests. Publicly available IRS Form 990 filings for the fiscal year ending in 2020 show revenue exceeding $90 million, with a portion allocated to grants and programs. The foundation's tax filings also list payments to service providers, consultants, and vendors for event logistics, communications, and legal support. A detailed breakdown of these disbursements can be found in the foundation's annual reports and Form 990 documents, which are accessible through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool.
BLM Grants and Recipient Organizations
BLM money was distributed to a network of organizations and chapters, with grants supporting grassroots activism, education, and policy advocacy. The foundation's 2020 Form 990 lists grants to entities such as the Black Visions Collective, the Minnesota Freedom Fund, and the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. These grants ranged from tens of thousands to several million dollars, with specific amounts detailed in the foundation's publicly available financial disclosures and annual reports.
In addition to direct grants, BLM money funded national campaigns, legal defense funds, and community investment initiatives. The foundation reported partnerships with organizations focused on criminal justice reform, voting rights, and economic empowerment. Financial data from 2020 and 2021 filings show that a significant share of the budget went to program services, including training, organizing, and public education efforts. For a comprehensive list of grantees and financial details, see the foundation's Form 990 and annual reports available through the IRS and independent nonprofit trackers.
Financial Oversight and Public Scrutiny
BLM money has been subject to scrutiny from regulators, donors, and the public, with questions raised about transparency and fund allocation. The foundation's leadership and financial practices have been reviewed in multiple investigative reports, including coverage by Forbes and ProPublica, which examined the use of donations and the relationship between the national foundation and local chapters. In 2021, the California Attorney General's office opened a review of the foundation's finances, requesting detailed records of expenditures and governance practices.
Public filings and audit reports have shown that BLM money was used for both programmatic and operational purposes, with some funds directed to consulting firms, event production, and technology platforms. The foundation's Form 990 disclosures for recent years detail compensation for key executives and staff, as well as payments to affiliated entities. For ongoing updates on the financial status of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, refer to the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and the California Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts.