Description: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nationwide nonprofit organization founded in 1920 that defends and preserves individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and laws through litigation, legislative advocacy, and public education. Type: Non-profit civil liberties organization (operating through a 501(c)(3) ACLU Foundation for education and litigation, a 501(c)(4) advocacy arm, and an affiliated political action committee). Policies: Pursues policies protecting constitutional and civil rights including voting rights, criminal justice reform, racial justice, free speech and assembly, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, privacy and surveillance limits, religious liberty, and police accountability. Funding: Primarily funded by individual donations and membership dues, supplemented by foundation grants and bequests; separate arms accept tax-deductible (Foundation) and non-deductible (advocacy/PAC) contributions. Affiliates: ACLU Foundation; state and local ACLU affiliates (e.g., ACLU of California); ACLU Political Action Committee; senior leadership such as Executive Director Anthony D. Romero (and past leaders including former president Nadine Strossen).
