Nonprofits/Organizations/52-1194741
Active
501(c)(3)
Form 990

Legal Counsel for the Elderly

DBA: AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly

EIN 52-1194741Washington, DC 20049Founded 1980WebsiteIRS Tax Year 2024 · Period ending December 31, 2024
Mission Statement

LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE ELDERLY (LCE) CHAMPIONS THE DIGNITY AND RIGHTS OF LOW-INCOME D.C. RESIDENTS AGED 60 AND OLDER BY PROVIDING FREE LEGAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES TO DEFEND, PROTECT AND EMPOWER VULNERABLE SENIORS. LCE ACCOMPLISHES ITS MISSION BY PROMOTING ECONOMIC AND HEALTHCARE SECURITY, SUPPORTING AND ADVOCATING FOR TENANTS, PREVENTING AND DEFENDING AGAINST CONSUMER FRAUD AND FINANCIAL ABUSE (PARTICULARLY FOR HOMEOWNERS) AND RESOLVING COMPLAINTS AND ENSURING PROPER CARE FOR RESIDENTS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES.

IRS Tax Year 2024

Period ending December 31, 2024

Total Revenue

$11.6M

+15.3%YoY

Total Expenses

$10.0M

+12.8%YoY

Net Assets

$99.2M

+12.8%YoY

Employees

83

+3.8%YoY

Volunteers

78

Grants Paid

$150K

Program Expense Ratio

83.8%

Fundraising Efficiency

3013.0%

This nonprofit profile presents IRS Form 990 tax filing data for Legal Counsel for the Elderly (EIN: 52-1194741), based on the 2024 tax year annual return filed with the Internal Revenue Service.

Sections below include financial summaries (revenue, expenses, and net assets), program accomplishments, officer and key employee compensation, detailed executive pay breakdowns, top independent contractors, governance policies and audit information, related tax-exempt organizations. All figures are reported in USD as filed.

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RoundPaper IndicatorsTax Year 2024

Financial Health

Revenue grew +15.3% to $11.6M
Program spending ratio of 83.8% — good
119.6 months of operating reserves — strong cushion
Expenses increased +12.8% year-over-year

Transparency

Conflict of interest policy adopted
Whistleblower policy in place
Financial statements independently audited
13-member board, 10 independent

Compensation

Top compensation: $694,621 (MEMBER/ AARP EVP & CHIEF O)
Top exec pay is 7.0% of total expenses — elevated
Schedule J filed for 9 individuals — detailed disclosure
No executive perks reported

Program Effectiveness

1 program reported
83.8% of spending goes to programs
No programs generate independent revenue
$150K in grants paid to other organizations
78 volunteers engaged

Financial Stability

Debt-to-asset ratio of 2.1% — low leverage
0.1 months cash runway — tight liquidity
Revenue diversification: moderately diversified
Net assets consistently growing over recent filings

Risk Flags

No insider or excess benefit transactions
No material diversion or misuse reported
No family/business relationships on board

Indicators derived from IRS Form 990 data. Not financial advice.

Organization Summary

Legal Counsel for the Elderly is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Washington, DC, founded in 1980. The organization has held tax-exempt status since 1980. In its 2024 filing, the organization reported $11.6M in total revenue, a 15.3% increase from the prior year, and $10.0M in total expenses. The organization employed 83 people and engaged 78 volunteers. KEVIN DONNELLAN, MEMBER/ AARP EVP & CHIEF O, is the highest-compensated individual at $694,621. The organization runs 1 program, totaling $8.3M in program expenses. 5 of 6 recommended governance policies are in place.

Programs(Tax Year 2024)

1 record

Programs Overview

Legal Counsel for the Elderly operates 1 program, with total program expenses of $8.3M. Legal Counsel for the Elderly's largest program accounts for 100% of total program spending.

1
Program 1Expenses: $8,338,998

LCE ACCOMPLISHES ITS MISSION BY RESPONDING TO ALL INQUIRIES AND PROVIDING BRIEF LEGAL ADVICE, REFERRING POTENTIAL CLIENTS TO OTHER RESOURCES OR REPRESENTING CLIENTS THROUGH ONE OF SEVERAL PRACTICE AREAS FOCUSING ON: ECONOMIC AND HEALTHCARE SECURITY BY SECURING PUBLIC BENEFITS, RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND VETERANS' BENEFITS, AND ASSISTING WITH GUARDIANSHIPS AND PROBATING ESTATES; TENANT ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT THROUGH INTERVENING EARLY ON BEHALF OF ELDERLY TENANTS AT-RISK OF EVICTION, PRESERVING RENTAL VOUCHERS AND HOLDING LANDLORDS ACCOUNTABLE FOR REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE OF THEIR PROPERTIES; CONSUMER FRAUD AND FINANCIAL ABUSE PREVENTION THROUGH ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH TO HOMEOWNERS BY PROVIDING FORECLOSURE DEFENSE, TAX SALE INTERVENTION, DEBT COLLECTION DEFENSE AND REPRESENTING SENIORS VICTIMIZED BY SCAMS AND PREDATORS; PRO BONO ENGAGEMENT OF PRIVATE PRACTICE, CORPORATE AND GOVERNMENT ATTORNEYS TO PREPARE LIFE PLANNING DOCUMENTS SUCH AS WILLS AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY, AND TO HANDLE LITIGATION AND SYSTEMIC ADVOCACY CASES FOR RECURRING LEGAL ISSUES AND EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH; AND HOUSING THE DC OFFICE OF THE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN TO RESPOND TO ANDINVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF RESIDENTS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES. IN ADDITION, LCE PUBLISHES EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS, CONDUCTS SEMINARS ON ISSUES IMPACTING THE ELDERLY AND PROVIDESEDUCATION ON MEDICARE FRAUD PREVENTION.

Financial Overview(Tax Years 2019–2024)

6 records

Financial Highlights

Over the past 6 years, Legal Counsel for the Elderly's revenue has grown from $7.5M to $11.6M, a 55.3% increase. Program expenses represent 84% of total spending.

Revenue increased 15.3% year-over-year, while expenses grew 12.8%. net assets rose to $99.2M, up 12.8% from the prior year. the organization added 3 employees.

Legal Counsel for the Elderly derives 75% from contributions and grants, with 25% from investment income.

Revenue is primarily driven by contributions and grants (75%), with investment income at 25%.

Legal Counsel for the Elderly allocates 84% to programs, 13% to management and general, 3% to fundraising.

Revenue grew by 15.3% and expenses grew by 12.8% year over year.

Legal Counsel for the Elderly distributed $150K in grants to other organizations and individuals, representing 2% of total expenses.

Over 6 filings from 2019–2024, Legal Counsel for the Elderly grew revenue from $7.5M to $11.6M (+55.3%) while maintaining a program expense ratio of 84%. During this period, the organization grew from 70 to 83 employees.

Legal Counsel for the Elderly holds $101.3M in total assets against $2.1M in liabilities (debt-to-asset ratio of 2%). The organization has 119.6 months of operating reserves. Cash and equivalents of $66K cover approximately 0.1 months of expenses.

Revenue

YearTotal RevenueContributionsGov't GrantsProgram RevenueInvestment
2024$11.6M$8.8M$3.3M$0$2.9M
2023$10.1M$8.7M$3.0M$14K$1.4M
2022$3.9M$8.0M$2.7M$4K$-4.3M
2021$10.3M$7.8M$2.5M$16K$2.5M
2020$66.9M$66.3M$2.5M$629$565K
2019$7.5M$6.9M$2.5M$5K$536K

Expenses

YearTotal ExpensesProgramManagementFundraisingGrants Paid
2024$10.0M$8.3M$1.3M$291K$150K
2023$8.8M$7.4M$1.2M$208K$0
2022$8.0M$6.6M$1.2M$158K$0
2021$7.1M$6.2M$808K$131K$0
2020$6.7M$6.1M$554K$95K$0
2019$6.8M$6.0M$591K$141K$0

Program Expense Ratio

83.8%

Admin Expense Ratio

13.3%

Fundraising Efficiency

3013.0%

Operating Reserve

119.6 mo

People & Compensation(Tax Year 2024)

19 records

Compensation Summary

Legal Counsel for the Elderly reported compensation for 19 officers and key employees. Total officer compensation was $3.2M, representing 32.4% of total expenses. 3 individuals received total compensation exceeding $500,000.

Legal Counsel for the Elderly's highest-compensated individual received $695K in total compensation. Total officer compensation of $3.2M represents 32.4% of total expenses. 3 individuals received total compensation exceeding $500,000.

NameTitleTypeHours/wkComp from OrgRelated OrgsTotal
KEVIN DONNELLANMEMBER/ AARP EVP & CHIEF O
Director
1.00$0$630,155$694,621
EDNA KANE-WILLIAMSSECRETARY / AARP EVP
OfficerDirector
1.00$0$548,532$605,607
KRISTIN DILLONMEMBER / AARP SVP
Director
1.00$0$512,678$581,266
RHONDA CUNNINGHAM HOLMESEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Officer
40.00$287,467$0$336,956
MARK MILLERDIRECTOR - LTC OMB
Highest Comp
40.00$192,451$0$227,631
TINA NELSONMGR - LEGAL AID ATTORNEY
Highest Comp
40.00$180,379$0$222,933
WILLIAM M FETTWEISDIRECTOR - DEVELOPMENT & C
Highest Comp
40.00$166,852$0$198,823
JOANNE SAVAGEMGR - LEGAL AID ATTORNEY
Highest Comp
40.00$161,301$0$183,946
PAUL RYBERGDIRECTOR - FINANCE & OPERATIONS
Highest Comp
40.00$142,198$0$169,052
WILLIAM A ISAACSONMEMBER
Director
1.00$0$0$0
DANIEL A CANTORMEMBER
Director
1.00$0$0$0
KAREN ELLIS CARRBOARD CHAIR
OfficerDirector
1.00$0$0$0
MEREDITH FUCHSMEMBER
Director
1.00$0$0$0
ELIZABETH MITCHELLMEMBER
Director
1.00$0$0$0
JOSEPH M KOLARMEMBER
Director
1.00$0$0$0
SARA KROPFMEMBER
Director
1.00$0$0$0
PETER R KOLKERMEMBER
Director
1.00$0$0$0
RICHARD F RILEY JRTREASURER
OfficerDirector
1.00$0$0$0
PATRICE J HARRISMEMBER
Director
1.00$0$0$0

Compensation Breakdown

Schedule J detail — base, bonus, benefits, and executive perks

KEVIN DONNELLAN

Base Salary

Bonus

Other Reportable

Retirement/Deferred

Nontaxable Benefits

EDNA KANE-WILLIAMS

Base Salary

Bonus

Other Reportable

Retirement/Deferred

Nontaxable Benefits

KRISTIN DILLON

Base Salary

Bonus

Other Reportable

Retirement/Deferred

Nontaxable Benefits

RHONDA CUNNINGHAM HOLMES

Base Salary

$223,187

Bonus

$61,796

Other Reportable

$2,484

Retirement/Deferred

$11,399

Nontaxable Benefits

$10,646

MARK MILLER

Base Salary

$157,533

Bonus

$31,875

Other Reportable

$3,043

Retirement/Deferred

$7,576

Nontaxable Benefits

$9,364

TINA NELSON

Base Salary

$161,390

Bonus

$17,997

Other Reportable

$992

Retirement/Deferred

$7,176

Nontaxable Benefits

$18,103

WILLIAM M FETTWEIS

Base Salary

$138,582

Bonus

$27,996

Other Reportable

$274

Retirement/Deferred

$6,663

Nontaxable Benefits

$9,267

JOANNE SAVAGE

Base Salary

$146,823

Bonus

$13,688

Other Reportable

$790

Retirement/Deferred

$6,420

Nontaxable Benefits

$768

PAUL RYBERG

Base Salary

$141,750

Bonus

Other Reportable

$448

Retirement/Deferred

$5,670

Nontaxable Benefits

$7,533

Top Contractors(Tax Year 2024)

1 record

Contractor Summary

Legal Counsel for the Elderly reported 1 contractor receiving over $100,000, with total contractor payments of $113K.

NameServiceCompensation
MOVEMENT MATTERS LLCTRAINING & CONSULTING SERVICES$112,500

Governance & Compliance(Tax Year 2024)

Governance Snapshot

Legal Counsel for the Elderly has 5 of 6 recommended governance policies in place, including conflict of interest, whistleblower, document retention. Its board has 13 members, 10 of whom are independent.

Legal Counsel for the Elderly's financial statements are audited, an audit committee oversees the process, the organization is subject to a federal grant audit (Single Audit).

Policies & Oversight

Conflict of interest policy
Whistleblower policy
Document retention policy
CEO compensation review process
Other officer compensation review
990 provided to governing body
Board members13
Independent members10

Audit & Financial Oversight

Financial statements audited
Independent audit
Audit committee
Federal grant audit required

Grants Awarded(Tax Year 2024)

1 record

Grantmaking Summary

Legal Counsel for the Elderly awarded $150K across 1 grant to organizations. Top recipients include MOVEMENT MATTERS LLC (WASHINGTON, DC) — $150K for subgrantee supporting the lce and dc bar foundation "access to justice grant".

Organization Grants

RecipientLocationAmountPurpose
MOVEMENT MATTERS LLC262210175WASHINGTON, DC$150KSUBGRANTEE SUPPORTING THE LCE AND DC BAR FOUNDATION "ACCESS TO JUSTICE GRANT"

Foreign Activities(Tax Year 2024)

International Overview

Activities span CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN.

Regions & Countries

Region / CountryActivityExpenditure
CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN - ANTIGUA & BARBUDA, ARUBA, BAHAMAS,

Supplemental Financial Data(Tax Year 2024)

Schedule D Highlights

The endowment stands at $81.7M.

Filing History(Tax Years 1980–2024)

6 records

Showing the 6 Form 990 filings currently in our system.

Tax YearFormPeriodRevenueExpensesNet Assets
2024
990
2024-01-01 – 2024-12-31$11.6M$10.0M$99.2M
2023
990
2023-01-01 – 2023-12-31$10.1M$8.8M$87.9M
2022
990
2022-01-01 – 2022-12-31$3.9M$8.0M$77.0M
2021
990
2021-01-01 – 2021-12-31$10.3M$7.1M$91.2M
2020
990
2020-01-01 – 2020-12-31$66.9M$6.7M$80.4M
2019
990
2019-01-01 – 2019-12-31$7.5M$6.8M$18.5M
1980–2018No filings acquired yet

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Legal Counsel for the Elderly do?

LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE ELDERLY (LCE) CHAMPIONS THE DIGNITY AND RIGHTS OF LOW-INCOME D.C. RESIDENTS AGED 60 AND OLDER BY PROVIDING FREE LEGAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES TO DEFEND, PROTECT AND EMPOWER VULNERABLE SENIORS. LCE ACCOMPLISHES ITS MISSION BY PROMOTING ECONOMIC AND HEALTHCARE SECURITY, SUPPORTING AND ADVOCATING FOR TENANTS, PREVENTING AND DEFENDING AGAINST CONSUMER FRAUD AND FINANCIAL ABUSE (PARTICULARLY FOR HOMEOWNERS) AND RESOLVING COMPLAINTS AND ENSURING PROPER CARE FOR RESIDENTS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES.

How much revenue does Legal Counsel for the Elderly have?

Legal Counsel for the Elderly reported $11,621,886 in total revenue for tax year 2024, up 15.3% from the prior year.

Who is the highest-paid executive at Legal Counsel for the Elderly?

KEVIN DONNELLAN, MEMBER/ AARP EVP & CHIEF O, received $694,621 in total compensation as of tax year 2024.

Is Legal Counsel for the Elderly a 501(c)(3)?

Yes, Legal Counsel for the Elderly is classified as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Where is Legal Counsel for the Elderly located?

Legal Counsel for the Elderly is headquartered in Washington, DC 20049.

How many employees does Legal Counsel for the Elderly have?

Legal Counsel for the Elderly has 83 employees and 78 volunteers as of tax year 2024.

Is Legal Counsel for the Elderly audited?

Yes, Legal Counsel for the Elderly's financial statements are audited, and the organization has an audit committee.

How much does Legal Counsel for the Elderly spend on fundraising?

Legal Counsel for the Elderly reported $290,518 in fundraising expenses for tax year 2024, which represents 2.9% of total expenses.

Does Legal Counsel for the Elderly give grants?

Yes, Legal Counsel for the Elderly distributed $150,019 in grants to other organizations and individuals in tax year 2024. Top recipients include MOVEMENT MATTERS LLC.

Does Legal Counsel for the Elderly operate internationally?

Yes, Legal Counsel for the Elderly conducts activities outside the United States. Activities span CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN.

Data Source

Prepared by: ANDERSEN TAX LLC, LOS ANGELES, CA

IRS Form 990 electronic filings via the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File. All financial figures are as reported in USD.

Publicly available IRS data
Verified filing records
Updated quarterly
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