About
The National Women's Law Center (NWLC) is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that fights for gender justice in the courts, in public policy, and in society. The Center works across the issues that are central to the lives of women and girls, using the law in all its forms to change culture and break down barriers — especially those that harm women of color, LGBTQ people, and low-income women and families.
Mission
In its own words, the Center "fights for gender justice—in the courts, in public policy, and in our society—working across the issues that are central to the lives of women and girls." For more than 50 years it has been on the leading edge of every major legal and policy victory for women.
What they do
Through research, analysis, advocacy, litigation, and public education, NWLC works to win policy changes that improve the lives of women and families. Its work spans a broad set of issue areas:
- Child care and early learning, including access, affordability, and the child care workforce
- Education and Title IX, including sexual harassment in schools, pregnant and parenting students, and athletics
- Health care and reproductive rights, including abortion, birth control, and coverage
- Workplace justice, including equal pay and the wage gap, sexual harassment at work, and pregnancy and parenting protections
- Poverty and income security, including taxes, income supports, and housing
- Judges and the courts, including judicial nominations and the Supreme Court, and LGBTQ equality
The Center also offers legal help resources, including assistance for people facing sex discrimination and harassment, and for abortion patients, supporters, and providers.
History
The Center began in 1972, when secretaries at a public interest law firm made four demands: better pay for women, more women staff attorneys, work on women's rights, and no serving coffee — and they succeeded. Since then, NWLC has been a leader in landmark legal and public policy advances that have improved the lives of women and their families.
Scale and impact
NWLC has an experienced staff of over 100 who tackle challenges facing women and their families. Because of the Center's work, women have more protection against discrimination, students have more chances to play sports, and families have better access to affordable health coverage.
Financials
According to the Center's IRS Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for the fiscal year ending June 2025 NWLC reported total revenue of $24,153,153, total expenses of $39,580,823, and net assets of $86,720,246. Contributions made up about 96.9 percent of revenue ($23.4 million). The organization has been a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit designated for educational, charitable, and scientific purposes.
Governance
The organization is led by President and CEO Fatima Goss Graves, supported by a leadership team of vice presidents overseeing program operations, finance, external affairs, and other areas, per its most recent Form 990 filing.
