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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
