2022-09-28T08:29:30-05:00 2021-12-31 042571780 AAFCPAS INC 50 WASHINGTON STREET WESTBOROUGH MA 01581 990 2021-01-01 042488502 NATIONAL CONSUMER LAW CENTER INC NATI 6175428010 7 WINTHROP SQUARE 4TH FLOOR BOSTON MA 021101006 RICHARD DUBOIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 6175428010 2022-09-19 1 RICHARD DUBOIS XXX-XX-XXXX JOHN BUCKLEY CPA P00830631 5083669100 2022-09-19 3 AAL1 IAL1 2021 2022-09-23 18:48:47Z RICHARD DUBOIS 7 WINTHROP SQUARE 4TH FLOOR BOSTON MA 021101006 24522169 0 X WWW.NCLC.ORG X 1971 MA SEE SCHEDULE O 11 11 72 13 0 0 4090720 3373663 8463493 4875291 855956 3656999 200079 204474 13610248 12110427 0 22000 0 0 7839608 8280258 0 0 864599 2703695 2680872 10543303 10983130 3066945 1127297 39190985 38467123 1784173 2039091 37406812 36428032 X SINCE 1969, THE NONPROFIT NATIONAL CONSUMER LAW CENTER HAS USED ITS EXPERTISE IN CONSUMER LAW AND ENERGY POLICY TO WORK FOR CONSUMER JUSTICE AND ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR LOW-INCOME AND OTHER DISADVANTAGED PEOPLE. NCLC'S EXPERTISE INCLUDES POLICY ANALYSIS AND ADVOCACY; CONSUMER LAW AND ENERGY PUBLICATIONS; LITIGATION; EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES, AND TRAINING AND ADVICE FOR ADVOCATES. NCLC WORKS WITH NONPROFIT AND LEGAL SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS, PRIVATE ATTORNEYS, POLICYMAKERS, AND FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT AND COURTS ACROSS THE NATION TO STOP EXPLOITIVE PRACTICES, HELP FINANCIALLY STRESSED FAMILIES BUILD AND RETAIN WEALTH, AND ADVANCE ECONOMIC FAIRNESS. 0 0 5826721 22000 2229673 BUILDING FAMILY AND INDIVIDUAL ECONOMIC SECURITY: LOW-INCOME FAMILIES HAVE LITTLE OR NO SAVINGS TO PROVIDE A SAFETY NET, LIVING WEEK TO WEEK AND MONTH TO MONTH TO MEET BASIC EXPENSES. THIS POPULATION IS DISPROPORTIONATELY TARGETED FOR OVERPRICED FINANCIAL SERVICES, SUCH AS EXCESSIVE BANK FEES, HIGH-COST LOANS, AND PREDATORY HOME MORTGAGES. LAX REGULATION HAS LEFT MANY FAMILIES VULNERABLE TO WEALTH-STRIPPING PRACTICES AND DEEPLY IN DEBT, REDUCING OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION, JOB TRAINING AND HOMEOWNERSHIP. TO COUNTER THESE TRENDS AND HELP LOW-INCOME PEOPLE BUILD ASSETS AND ECONOMIC SECURITY, NCLC PROMOTED THE ADOPTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF STRONG CONSUMER PROTECTIONS IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES MARKETPLACE THROUGHOUT 2021. 1421606 1322809 PRESERVING HEAT, ELECTRICITY, BROADBAND AND WATER: NCLC PUBLISHED 2 CRITICAL RESOURCES TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF HOUSEHOLDS IN QUARANTINE: A GUIDE TO RECENT FEDERAL COVID-19 RELIEF TO HELP CONSUMERS PAY FOR ESSENTIAL ENERGY, WATER, AND BROADBAND SERVICE, AND THE REPORT HOW STATES CAN PROTECT SERIOUSLY ILL RESIDENTS FROM UTILITY SHUT-OFFS. NCLC WAS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN SUCCESSFUL PROCEEDINGS REGARDING MORATORIUMS ON UTILITY TERMINATION IN MASSACHUSETTS, CALIFORNIA, AND ILLINOIS. NCLC HAS ALSO BEEN AND CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT VOICES FOR WATER AFFORDABILITY PROGRAMS AND ACCESS TO BROADBAND FOR ALL AMERICANS. WE ARE THRILLED THAT IN THE PAST YEAR CONGRESS HAS FUNDED THE FIRST FEDERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO HELP PEOPLE PAY THEIR WATER BILLS, AND SIGNIFICANTLY EXPANDED BROADBAND ASSISTANCE.BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE & PRESERVING AFFORDABLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS: THE STIMULUS PACKAGE SIGNED INTO LAW ON DECEMBER 27, 2020 INCLUDED $3.2 BILLION TO HELP MILLIONS OF AMERICANS ACCESS THE INTERNET, AND IN MARCH 2021 THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN INCLUDED ANOTHER $7.6 BILLION FOR BROADBAND FOR SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES TO HELP CLOSE THE HOMEWORK GAP FOR STUDENTS. NCLC AND ITS BROADBAND EQUITY PARTNERS VIEW THESE STEPS AS HISTORIC PROGRESS TOWARD THE GOAL OF REMEDYING THE DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT OF DIGITAL INEQUITY AMONG LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING COMMUNITIES OF COLOR AND OTHERS HARDEST HIT BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE ENSUING ECONOMIC CRISIS. 1384803 1322809 PROTECTING FINANCIAL ASSETS: WIDESPREAD FORBEARANCE ON MORTGAGE PAYMENTS HAS PREVENTED MILLIONS OF HOMEOWNERS IN THE UNITED STATES FROM BEING DECLARED IN DEFAULT DURING THE PANDEMIC, BUT THEY ARE AT RISK OF LOSING THEIR HOMES ONCE THE FORBEARANCE EXPIRES. NCLC PROVIDED EXPERTISE AND RESOURCES THROUGHOUT 2021 DURING THE CREATION OF THE $10 BILLION HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE FUND (HAF), CREATED BY CONGRESS IN EARLY 2021 AS PART OF THE $1.9 TRILLION AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN AND RESULTED IN A MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN PREVENTING A DISASTROUS LOSS OF HOMES.PREVENTING FORECLOSURES: NCLC PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE PROVIDING IN-DEPTH RESOURCES TO FRONTLINE LEGAL AID AND CONSUMER ATTORNEYS AND TO CONSUMERS, INCLUDING FACT SHEETS, ARTICLES, AND ISSUE BRIEFS TO PREVENT FORECLOSURES, AND CREATED A VIDEO EXPLAINER: CORONAVIRUS CRISIS: WHAT CONSUMERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MORTGAGE RELIEF. NCLC ALSO ORGANIZED A GROUP OF ATTORNEYS IN MULTIPLE STATES COORDINATING RESOURCES AND INFORMATION TO PROTECT HOMEOWNERS FROM COVID-RELATED FORECLOSURES. SIMULTANEOUSLY, WE LED SEVERAL KEY FEDERAL ADVOCACY EFFORTS TO IMPROVE FORECLOSURE PREVENTION OPTIONS AND EXPAND ACCESS TO DIRECT ASSISTANCE FOR STRUGGLING HOMEOWNERS. NCLC SUSTAINED MOMENTUM WITH THE FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION (FHA) TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS AGAINST FORECLOSURES, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEVERAL NEW LOAN MODIFICATION OPTIONS. WE ALSO SUCCESSFULLY ADVOCATED FOR SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES TO A NEW RULE BY THE CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU (CFPB) PROVIDING HOMEOWNERS WITH COVID HARDSHIPS MORE OPPORTUNITIES AND INFORMATION AS THEY EXIT PAYMENT FORBEARANCES AND FACE IMMINENT FORECLOSURES. FINALLY, WE LED A COALITION OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT SECURED $10 BILLION IN PRESIDENT BIDEN'S AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN, PASSED BY CONGRESS IN MARCH 2021, FOR THE HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE FUND. NCLC CONTINUES TO WORK WITH THE U.S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT, STATES AND STATE ADVOCATES ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FUND.PREVENTING PREDATORY LENDING NCLC CONTINUED TO PLAY A LEADERSHIP ROLE IN CHALLENGING PREDATORY LENDING PRACTICES, INCLUDING EDUCATING DECISION MAKERS ABOUT NEW "FINTECH" LENDING PRODUCTS THAT SEEK TO EXPLOIT LOOPHOLES TO AVOID COMPLYING WITH FEDERAL AND STATE CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS. NCLC CREATED AN INFORMATIONAL RENT-A-BANK WATCH LIST TO HIGHLIGHT BANKS THAT ARE ACTING AS FRONTS FOR HIGH-COST LENDERS. THIS ALLOWS THE LENDERS TO EVADE STATE INTEREST RATE CAPS. NCLC ALSO CREATED AN INFORMATION SHEET: STATE RATE CAPS FOR $500 AND $2,000 LOANS. 8633130 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 23 0 1 72 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 11 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 AL AK AR CA CO CT FL GA IL MD MA MI MN MS NJ NY OH OR PA RI TN UT VA WV WA WI DC X MARGARET KOHLER 6175428010 7 WINTHROP SQUARE 4TH FLOOR BOSTON MA 021101006 MICHAEL FERRY PRESIDENT 1.00 1.00 X X 0 0 0 DANCY MCKINNEY-PARKER VICE PRESIDENT 1.00 X X 0 0 0 BEVERLY COURTNEY DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 DAVID VLADECK DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 DOLORES S SMITH DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JONATHAN L KRAVETZ DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 MARK E BUDNITZ DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 NANCY BARRON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 DEEPAK GUPTA DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 MARTHA TAMAYO DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 DONNA DALEY DIRECTOR (TERM ENDED 2021) 1.00 X 0 0 0 RICHARD DUBOIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 40.00 1.00 X 227232 0 39246 CAROLYN CARTER DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY 40.00 X 194380 0 20396 MARGARET KOHLER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 40.00 1.00 X 163910 0 36675 STEPHEN HURLEY CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 40.00 X 165628 0 36055 MARGOT SAUNDERS STAFF ATTORNEY 40.00 X 170340 0 25049 LAUREN SAUNDERS STAFF ATTORNEY 40.00 X 166848 0 14583 STUART ROSSMAN DIRECTOR OF LITIGATION 40.00 X 166667 0 28551 CHARLES DELBAUM STAFF ATTORNEY 40.00 X 165369 0 28607 JONATHAN SHELDON STAFF ATTORNEY 40.00 X 165850 0 35390 1586224 0 264552 31 0 1 0 ZIVTECH 1 SOUTH BROAD STREET SUITE 2250 PHILADELPHIA PA 19107 PUBLICATIONS PLATFORM DESIGN 513090 THREESPOT MEDIA LLC 1325 G STREET NW SUITE 500 WASHINGTON DC 20005 WEBSITE DESIGN 134575 2 79000 3294663 3373663 PUBLICATIONS 511120 2288271 2288271 ATTORNEY FEE AWARDS 541100 2030142 2030142 CONFERENCES 900099 478388 478388 ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE 541100 68090 68090 MISCELLANEOUS 900099 10400 10400 4875291 1257526 1257526 204474 0 204474 204474 204474 14811215 12411742 2399473 2399473 2399473 12110427 4875291 0 3861473 22000 22000 883522 154639 486631 242252 5592139 4821308 407714 363117 263439 223449 21175 18815 1066694 905731 91372 69591 474464 371092 61202 42170 44000 44000 138793 138793 589929 527592 27716 34621 276002 190379 51002 34621 997057 906270 58312 32475 17611 12107 3815 1689 8168 8168 36311 24406 8929 2976 32670 24530 5988 2152 EQUIPMENT 327617 290464 22161 14992 MISCELLANEOUS 90150 49382 37712 3056 PUBLICATIONS 84033 84033 PERIODICALS 25273 16986 6215 2072 13258 594 12664 10983130 8633130 1485401 864599 1264153 268546 2326861 2722787 1887386 1101899 224793 373192 225933 236838 1929638 852587 371441 1077051 32547595 32343141 342823 343669 39190985 38467123 939783 1185650 844390 853441 1784173 2039091 X 32191017 32603346 5215795 3824686 37406812 36428032 39190985 38467123 1127297 -2106077 0 X X 0 1 X 1 0 X 3869842 3237235 3147226 4090720 3373663 17718686 3869842 3237235 3147226 4090720 3373663 17718686 5822549 11896137 1135859 1481020 1562031 1226054 1462000 6866964 24585650 35454185 0.48390 0.51830 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 8359 206914 215273 10767857 10983130 699157 174789 0 0 602403 644485 677165 755930 2679983 4019975 85380 97323 186546 215273 584522 150601 161121 169291 188982 669995 1004993 4925 1640 2219 8359 17143 10677366 462448 355539 11495353 9915770 384517 377079 10677366 8672626 146938 1096206 9915770 8792488 8332 -128194 8672626 5765455 2582446 444587 8792488 1.00000 0 0 228195 122319 105876 1701443 730268 971175 1077051 X PART X, LINE 2: THE AGENCY ACCOUNTS FOR UNCERTAINTY IN INCOME TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASC TOPIC, INCOME TAXES. THIS STANDARD CLARIFIES THE ACCOUNTING FOR UNCERTAINTY IN TAX POSITIONS AND PRESCRIBES A RECOGNITION THRESHOLD AND MEASUREMENT ATTRIBUTE FOR THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS REGARDING A TAX POSITION TAKEN OR EXPECTED TO BE TAKEN IN A TAX RETURN. THE AGENCY HAS DETERMINED THAT THERE ARE NO UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS WHICH QUALIFY FOR EITHER RECOGNITION OR DISCLOSURE IN THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 2021. 1 TEXAS APPLESEED 1609 SHOAL CREEK SUITE 201 AUSTIN TX 78701 742804268 501 (C)3 7000 0 TO HELP LOW INCOME CONSUMERS THROUGH REFORM OF DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES IN TEXAS. BLACKS IN GREEN 6431-33 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE CHICAGO IL 60637 452453557 501 (C)3 10000 0 TO CONTINUE AND EXPAND ITS EFFORTS TO ENGAGE LOCAL AND STATE PARTNERS ON ISSUES INVOLVING THE SAFETY AND AFFORDABILITY OF WATER. 2 PART I, LINE 2: AT LEAST QUARTERLY CHECK-INS WITH SUB-GRANTEE ON PROGRESS AND A FINAL WRITTEN SUMMARY AT THE END OF THE YEAR. X X X 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 RICHARD DUBOIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 227232 0 0 0 0 0 9216 0 30030 0 266478 0 0 0 CAROLYN CARTER DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY 194380 0 0 0 0 0 7775 0 12621 0 214776 0 0 0 STEPHEN HURLEY CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 165628 0 0 0 0 0 5797 0 30258 0 201683 0 0 0 JONATHAN SHELDON STAFF ATTORNEY 165850 0 0 0 0 0 13494 0 21896 0 201240 0 0 0 MARGARET KOHLER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 163910 0 0 0 0 0 6625 0 30050 0 200585 0 0 0 MARGOT SAUNDERS STAFF ATTORNEY 170340 0 0 0 0 0 6680 0 18369 0 195389 0 0 0 STUART ROSSMAN DIRECTOR OF LITIGATION 166667 0 0 0 0 0 6667 0 21884 0 195218 0 0 0 CHARLES DELBAUM STAFF ATTORNEY 165369 0 0 0 0 0 6707 0 21900 0 193976 0 0 0 LAUREN SAUNDERS STAFF ATTORNEY 166848 0 0 0 0 0 6422 0 8161 0 181431 0 0 0 FORM 990, PART I, LINE 1 SINCE 1969, THE NONPROFIT NATIONAL CONSUMER LAW CENTER HAS USED ITS EXPERTISE IN CONSUMER LAW AND ENERGY POLICY TO WORK FOR CONSUMER JUSTICE AND ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR LOW-INCOME AND OTHER DISADVANTAGED PEOPLE. NCLC'S EXPERTISE INCLUDES POLICY ANALYSIS AND ADVOCACY; CONSUMER LAW AND ENERGY PUBLICATIONS; LITIGATION; EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES, AND TRAINING AND ADVICE FOR ADVOCATES. NCLC WORKS WITH NONPROFIT AND LEGAL SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS, PRIVATE ATTORNEYS, POLICYMAKERS, AND FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT AND COURTS ACROSS THE NATION TO STOP EXPLOITIVE PRACTICES, HELP FINANCIALLY STRESSED FAMILIES BUILD AND RETAIN WEALTH, AND ADVANCE ECONOMIC FAIRNESS. NCLC ATTORNEYS ARE WIDELY RECOGNIZED AS LEADING NATIONAL EXPERTS IN CONSUMER CREDIT, BANKING, HOME ENERGY, AND OTHER AREAS OF CRITICAL IMPORTANCE TO LOW-INCOME FAMILIES. NCLC IS A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION WITH OFFICES IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS AND IN WASHINGTON, D.C. WITH OVER 60 STAFF MEMBERS AND AN ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET IN 2021 OF JUST UNDER TWELVE MILLION DOLLARS. OUR FOCUS IS ON SYSTEMIC REFORM: CHANGING THE RULES OF OUR ECONOMY TO BREAK DOWN PRACTICES AND PATTERNS OF DISCRIMINATION; ERADICATING ABUSES THAT STRIP FAMILIES OF FINANCIAL STABILITY; ARMING CONSUMER ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES WITH THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO ADVOCATE FOR CONSUMERS WHO HAVE BEEN HARMED; AND EXPANDING ACCESS TO FAIR FINANCIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. NCLC IS AT THE CENTER OF A ROBUST AND GROWING COMMUNITY OF CONSUMER ATTORNEYS, ADVOCATES, AND ACTIVISTS WHO USE NCLC'S TRAININGS, PUBLICATIONS, AND SUPPORT SERVICES TO REPRESENT CONSUMERS IN EVERY CORNER OF THE NATION AND ADVANCE THE LONG-TERM FINANCIAL HEALTH AND SECURITY OF THOSE MOST IN NEED. HIGHLIGHTS OF NCLC PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2021 REPEAL OF THE "FAKE LENDER" RULE: NCLC LED THE SUCCESSFUL EFFORT TO PERSUADE CONGRESS TO REPEAL THE "FAKE LENDER" RULE (ADOPTED IN 2020 BY THE OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY), WHICH WOULD HAVE ALLOWED PREDATORY LENDERS TO USE "RENT-A-BANK" ARRANGEMENTS TO LAUNDER THEIR HIGH-COST LOANS, AND NULLIFIED DECADES OF EFFORTS BY STATE ADVOCATES TO PUSH STATES TO CAP INTEREST RATES AND PROHIBIT HIGH-COST WEALTH-DRAINING PAYDAY LOANS. NCLC PRODUCED WEBINARS, ISSUE BRIEFS AND OP-EDS, ENGAGED IN LOBBYING EFFORTS, AND COORDINATED THE STRATEGIES OF ALLIES. OUR EFFORTS ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OCC'S ENDING OF TWO HIGH-COST RENT-A-BANK ARRANGEMENTS. CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU ADVOCACY: NCLC AND ALLIES SUCCESSFULLY URGED THE CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU (CFPB) TO RESCIND SEVERAL POLICY STATEMENTS ISSUED IN 2020 THAT WEAKENED CONSUMER PROTECTIONS, INCLUDING LAWS GOVERNING CREDIT CARDS AND PREPAID CARDS, HOME MORTGAGES, AND CREDIT REPORTS. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/MEDIA-CENTER/ADVOCATES-PRAISE-CFPB-FOR-RESCINDING- ELIMINATION OF OVERDRAFT AND NSF FEES: NCLC ADVOCATES PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PERSUADING A LEADING BANK TO COMPLETELY ELIMINATE ALL OVERDRAFT AND NON SUFFICIENT FUND (NSF) FEES ON ALL OF ITS ACCOUNTS, AND CONTINUES TO CALL ON OTHER BANKS AND CREDIT UNIONS TO DO THE SAME, AND FOR THE CFPB TO ENACT RULES ENDING THE USE OF OVERDRAFT FEES AS A DECEPTIVE FORM OF HIGH-COST CREDIT. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/MEDIA-CENTER/ADVOCATES-PRAISE-CAP-ONE-END-TO-OVERD STUDENT LOAN ADVOCACY: THE PANDEMIC EXPOSED MANY OF THE INJUSTICES AND DISPARITIES OF THE STUDENT LOAN SYSTEM AFFECTING LOW-INCOME BORROWERS AND BORROWERS OF COLOR. AS A RESULT OF NCLC'S LONG-TIME ADVOCACY ON ISSUES FACING BORROWERS IN FINANCIAL DISTRESS, WE WERE WELL-POSITIONED TO ADVOCATE FOR LOW-INCOME BORROWERS DURING THE ECONOMIC TURMOIL FACED BY LOW-INCOME PEOPLE AND FAMILIES RESULTING FROM THE PANDEMIC. MANY OF NCLC'S EARLY RECOMMENDATIONS WERE ADOPTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND INCLUDED IN THE CARES ACT. ALONG WITH MANY ALLIES, NCLC ALSO ADVOCATED SUCCESSFULLY FOR MULTIPLE EXTENSIONS OF THE SUSPENSION OF STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC. THE PAUSE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO AUGUST 31, 2022. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/MEDIA-CENTER/ADVOCATES-CAUTION-THAT-PAYMENT-PAUSE- DISCHARGE OF STUDENT LOAN DEBT: NCLC'S STUDENT LOAN ADVOCATES AND ALLIED ORGANIZATIONS HELPED PERSUADE THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DISCHARGE LOANS TO HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF BORROWERS WHO ATTENDED PREDATORY FOR-PROFIT SCHOOLS, AND/OR HAVE A TOTAL AND PERMANENT DISABILITY. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/UNCATEGORIZED/NATIONAL-CONSUMER-LAW-CENTER-ADVOCAT ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENT LOAN BORROWERS: NCLC PRODUCED EXTENSIVE MATERIALS TO ASSIST STUDENT LOAN BORROWERS IN NAVIGATING THE INCREASINGLY TREACHEROUS STUDENT LOAN SYSTEM, AND TO HELP POLICYMAKERS UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEMS BORROWERS FACE AND INFORM THEIR THINKING ABOUT SOLUTIONS. NCLC ALSO PROVIDED LEGAL EXPERTISE IN MULTIPLE GROUP LETTERS, COMMENTS, AND MEMOS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. NCLC'S EXPERTISE WAS RECOGNIZED THROUGH THE APPOINTMENT OF AN NCLC STAFF ATTORNEY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S STUDENT LENDING RULEMAKING COMMITTEE, PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES TO ADVANCE SIGNIFICANT REFORMS FOR STUDENT LOAN BORROWERS. NCLC REGULARLY PROVIDES INFORMATION AND ADVICE DIRECTLY TO BORROWERS AT HTTPS://WWW.STUDENTLOANBORROWERASSISTANCE.ORG INCREASED ACCURACY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR CREDIT REPORTS: CITING NCLC'S REPORT, BROKEN RECORDS REDUX: HOW ERRORS BY CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK COMPANIES CONTINUE TO HARM CONSUMERS SEEKING JOBS AND HOUSING, THE CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU (CFPB) ISSUED AN ADVISORY OPINION AFFIRMING THAT CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES, INCLUDING TENANT AND EMPLOYMENT SCREENING COMPANIES, VIOLATE THE FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT IF THEY USE NAME-ONLY MATCHING OR OTHER INSUFFICIENT MATCHING PROCEDURES TO MATCH INFORMATION TO A CONSUMER. THIS CFPB ACTION WILL LEAD TO INCREASED ACCOUNTABILITY, BETTER ACCURACY, AND FEWER CONSUMERS BEING DENIED JOBS AND HOUSING. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/MEDIA-CENTER/NCLC-ADVOCATES-APPLAUD-CFPBS-ACTION-T FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT (FCRA): AN NCLC STAFF ATTORNEY TESTIFIED BY INVITATION BEFORE THE U.S. HOUSE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE ON FCRA ISSUES ON MAY 26, 2021 2021. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/IMAGES/PDF/CREDIT_REPORTS/TESTIMONY_HFSC_OI_CREDIT AND JUNE 29, 2021, HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/IMAGES/PDF/CREDIT_REPORTS/TESTIMONY_HFSC_CREDIT_RE AND AGAIN ON THE RELATED ISSUE OF THE PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS' ACCESS TO THEIR FINANCIAL DATA ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/IMAGES/PDF/CREDIT_REPORTS/PERSONAL_FINANCE_DATA_TE CREDIT REPORTS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH: IN SEPTEMBER 2021, EQUIFAX BEGAN OFFERING FULL VERSIONS OF THEIR CREDIT REPORTS IN SPANISH, A POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT THAT NCLC HAD REQUESTED TWO YEARS EARLIER FROM ALL THREE CREDIT BUREAUS. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/IMAGES/PDF/SPECIAL_PROJECTS/COVID-19/TRANSLATED_CR HIGHLIGHTING CONSUMER COMPLAINTS: NCLC HAS ADVOCATED FOR MANY YEARS ON THE FAILINGS OF THE BIG THREE NATIONWIDE CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES IN PROPERLY INVESTIGATING DISPUTES UNDER THE FCRA. ON JANUARY 5, 2022, THE CFPB ISSUED A SCATHING REPORT ON HOW THESE AGENCIES FAILED TO RESPOND MEANINGFULLY TO ALMOST ALL OF THE 700,000 COMPLAINTS FILED AGAINST THEM WITH THE BUREAU BETWEEN JANUARY 2020 AND SEPTEMBER 2021. THE CFPB REPORT CITES NCLC'S AUTOMATED INJUSTICE REDUX REPORT, RELEASED IN FEBRUARY 2019. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/IMAGES/PDF/CREDIT_REPORTS/AUTOMATED-INJUSTICE-REDU DEBT COLLECTION IMPROVEMENT ACT: NCLC PLAYED A LEADERSHIP ROLE IN RAISING AWARENESS OF THE NEED FOR REFORMS AND CLARITY TO STOP ABUSIVE DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES, INCLUDING CONTRIBUTING TO THE INTRODUCTION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE DEBT COLLECTION IMPROVEMENT ACT, WHICH WOULD ENACT A WIDE VARIETY OF CRITICALLY-NEEDED REFORMS SUCH AS PROHIBITING COLLECTION OF MEDICAL DEBT BY DEBT COLLECTORS FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS; PROHIBITING CREDIT REPORTING OF DEBT ARISING FROM ANY MEDICALLY NECESSARY PROCEDURE; AMENDING THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT (FDCPA) TO EXPAND AND CLARIFY COVERAGE, INCLUDING EXTENDING COVERAGE FOR ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL DEBTS COLLECTED BY DEBT COLLECTORS; AND CLARIFYING FDCPA COVERAGE FOR NON-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURES. THIS IMPORTANT LEGISLATION PASSED IN THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND AWAITS ACTION IN THE U.S. SENATE. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/MEDIA-CENTER/ADVOCATES-CHEER-HOUSE-PASSAGE-OF-COMP FORM 990, PART I, LINE 1 CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEBT: NCLC PUBLISHED "COLLECTING CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEBT THROUGH THE STATE CIVIL JUSTICE SYSTEM: A PRIMER FOR ADVOCATES & POLICYMAKERS," A REPORT EXAMINING THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING A STATE'S EXISTING CIVIL JUSTICE SYSTEM AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM TO COLLECT FINES, FEES, RESTITUTION, AND OTHER TYPES OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEBT. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/ISSUES/DEBT-RELIEF-SERVICES/COLLECTING-CRIMINAL-JU PREVENTING FORECLOSURE: NCLC'S EXPERTISE WAS ESSENTIAL IN WINNING IMPORTANT PROTECTIONS FOR FAMILIES STRUGGLING TO MAINTAIN HOMEOWNERSHIP DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. OVER TWO MILLION HOMEOWNERS WERE IN TEMPORARY PAYMENT FORBEARANCES AND WERE VULNERABLE TO FORECLOSURE WHEN THOSE FORBEARANCES EXPIRED. NCLC'S ATTORNEYS LED THE DRAFTING OF DETAILED COMMENTS TO THE CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU (CFPB) IN MAY 2021 THAT RESULTED IN IMPORTANT PROTECTIONS AGAINST FORECLOSURE: STREAMLINED PROCEDURES FOR COVID-AFFECTED HOMEOWNERS TO ACCESS FORECLOSURE PREVENTION MEASURES, PRE-FORECLOSURE REVIEWS TO DETERMINE IF MORE AFFORDABLE LOAN TERMS WOULD SAVE THE HOME BEFORE ANY FORECLOSURE ACTIVITY STARTED, AND ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATIONS TO HOMEOWNERS FACING IMMINENT FORECLOSURE. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/IMAGES/PDF/FORECLOSURE_MORTGAGE/MORTGAGE_SERVICING PROTECTING HOMEOWNERSHIP OF VETERANS: SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED PROTECTIONS FOR VETERANS WHO ARE HOMEOWNERS WERE ANNOUNCED BY THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA) IN IMPORTANT CHANGES TO A FINAL COVID PAYMENT PROGRAM RULE IN MAY 2021; THE VA ADOPTED NCLC'S PROPOSED CHANGES TO ALLOW VETERANS TO RECEIVE INTEREST-FREE MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE THAT DID NOT INCREASE THEIR MONTHLY PAYMENTS, IN LINE WITH A SIMILAR POLICY FOR FHA-INSURED BORROWERS. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/IMAGES/PDF/SPECIAL_PROJECTS/COVID-19/COVID_VETERAN PROTECTING COVID-AFFECTED HOMEOWNERS: HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF SERIOUSLY DELINQUENT FHA-INSURED MORTGAGE BORROWERS (MANY OF WHOM ARE PERSONS OF COLOR) HAVE INCREASED PROTECTIONS DUE TO THE ENGAGEMENT OF NCLC AND ITS ALLIES WITH THE FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION (FHA). IN JUNE 2021 THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) CIRCULATED A PROPOSED PROGRAM FOR MODIFICATION OF FHA LOANS THAT WAS FAR TOO COMPLEX FOR SERVICERS TO PROPERLY IMPLEMENT. AFTER NCLC AND OTHER GROUPS SUBMITTED AN ALTERNATIVE MODIFICATION PROPOSAL TO HUD, HUD ISSUED A SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED MODIFICATION PROGRAM ADOPTING MANY OF NCLC'S RECOMMENDATIONS AND ON SEPTEMBER 27, HUD PROPOSED AN ADDITIONAL REVISION TO ITS PANDEMIC MODIFICATION PROGRAM THAT FURTHER ADOPTED ASPECTS OF NCLC'S ORIGINAL PROPOSAL. ON JUNE 30, 2021, THE FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY (FHFA) ANNOUNCED THE EXPANSION OF THE USE OF INTEREST RATE REDUCTIONS TO HELP COVID-AFFECTED BORROWERS REDUCE THEIR MONTHLY PAYMENTS TO HELP THEM STAY IN THEIR HOMES. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT ADOPTED THE PROPOSAL FROM NCLC AND OTHER NATIONAL GROUPS IN A LETTER SENT TO FHFA, FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC REQUESTING THAT THEY AMEND THEIR GUIDELINES FOR THEIR MAIN FORECLOSURE PREVENTION OPTION, THE "FLEX MODIFICATION," TO BORROWERS WHO MAY HAVE EQUITY IN THEIR HOMES BUT NEED ADDITIONAL RELIEF AS THEY RECOVER FROM COVID-RELATED HARDSHIPS. HTTPS://LIBRARY.NCLC.ORG/FOURTEEN-NEW-FEDERAL-ACTIONS-PROTECTING-MORTGA HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE FUND (HAF): NCLC PLAYED A LEADERSHIP ROLE IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE FUND (HAF) RUN BY THE U.S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT. HAF HELPS HOMEOWNERS CATCH UP ON MORTGAGE PAYMENTS, PROPERTY TAXES, INSURANCE PAYMENTS, AND UTILITY BILLS, FOCUSED ON FORECLOSURE PREVENTION FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES AND IN COMMUNITIES OF COLOR. TREASURY'S GUIDANCE TO STATES, TERRITORIES AND TRIBES, ANNOUNCED IN AUGUST 2021, ADOPTED MANY KEY ASPECTS OF THE NCLC COALITION'S PROPOSALS, INCLUDING REQUIREMENTS TO LIMIT BARRIERS TO ACCESS, WORK WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, EXPAND ELIGIBILITY RULES, AND APPLY FUNDS TO REVERSE MORTGAGES (USED BY OLDER BORROWERS WANTING TO AGE IN PLACE), LAND CONTACTS (COMMON IN COMMUNITIES OF COLOR), AND MANUFACTURED HOME LOANS (PREVALENT IN RURAL COMMUNITIES). HAF WAS PASSED BY CONGRESS IN MARCH 2021 AS PART OF THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/IMAGES/PDF/SPECIAL_PROJECTS/COVID-19/IB_HOUSING_AS PROTECTING RENTERS: NCLC HAS UNDERTAKEN EFFORTS TO PROTECT RENTERS WHO HAVE SUFFERED ECONOMICALLY DURING THE PANDEMIC FROM HARMFUL DEBT COLLECTION, CREDIT REPORTING, AND TENANT SCREENING PRACTICES. IN PARTICULAR, RENTAL DEBT AND TENANT SCREENING CAN PREVENT DISPLACED RENTERS FROM OBTAINING NEW HOUSING. IN MAY OF 2021, NCLC AND 142 OTHER GROUPS SENT A LETTER URGING THE CFPB TO KEEP RENTAL DEBT OFF THE CREDIT REPORTS OF RENTERS. THE NEXT MONTH, CFPB ISSUED A BULLETIN WARNING CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES AND INFORMATION FURNISHERS AGAINST FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT'S (FCRA) ACCURACY AND DISPUTE OBLIGATIONS WITH RESPECT TO RENTAL INFORMATION. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/IMAGES/PDF/CREDIT_REPORTS/CFPB_LTR_PROHIBIT__RENTA IN DECEMBER 2021, NCLC ISSUED A REPORT ON ASSISTING CONSUMERS WITH RENTAL DEBT DURING COVID-19, A SURVEY OF 82 LEGAL AID AND NON-PROFIT ATTORNEYS WHO WORK WITH CONSUMERS WITH RENTAL DEBT, FINDING INCREASES IN CLIENTS REPORTING SUCH DEBTS AND THAT IT WAS A BARRIER TO HOUSING. NCLC SENT THIS REPORT TO THE CFPB WITH A COVER LETTER URGING MORE DEBT COLLECTION AND CREDIT REPORTING PROTECTIONS FOR RENTERS. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/IMAGES/PDF/CREDIT_REPORTS/RENTAL-DEBT-SURVEY-ISSUE HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/IMAGES/PDF/CREDIT_REPORTS/DEC-14-LETTER-TO-CFPB-DI PROTECTING SERIOUSLY ILL CONSUMERS FROM UTILITY DISCONNECTIONS: IN FEBRUARY 2021 NCLC RELEASED A REPORT DETAILING STATE BY STATE PROTECTIONS AGAINST UTILITY TERMINATIONS. STATE UTILITY COMMISSIONS SET THE RULES REGARDING WHEN AND HOW THE COMPANIES THEY REGULATE CAN TERMINATE ELECTRIC AND GAS SERVICE FOR NON-PAYMENT-FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH A SERIOUSLY ILL PERSON, AND STRONG RULES (AS DETAILED IN NCLC'S REPORT) CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. MILLIONS OF UTILITY CUSTOMERS HAVE SERVICES TERMINATED EACH YEAR FOR NON-PAYMENT AND THIS IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS: THE VERY ILL AND THE VERY YOUNG AND OLD. AS THIS REPORT DETAILS, SOME STATES PROVIDE STRONG PROTECTIONS AGAINST TERMINATION OF HOUSEHOLDS WHERE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY ILL, WHILE OTHER STATES PROVIDE VERY LITTLE OR NO PROTECTION. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/ISSUES/ENERGY-UTILITIES-A-COMMUNICATIONS/PROTECTIN HOLDING ILLEGAL ROBOCALLERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR SCAM CALLS: NCLC ,ON BEHALF OF ITS LOW-INCOME CLIENTS, AND THE ELECTRONIC PRIVACY INFORMATION CENTER (EPIC) SUBMITTED COMPREHENSIVE COMMENTS IN OCTOBER 2021 REQUESTING THAT THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) FORCE THE TELEPHONE SERVICE PROVIDERS (WHO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE TELEPHONE SYSTEM) TO HOLD ACCOUNTABLE ILLEGAL ROBOCALLERS FOR THEIR ACTIONS. HTTPS://WWW.NCLC.ORG/IMAGES/EPIC-NCLC-NUMBER-POLICIES-COMMENT_21-10-14_ STATE ADVOCACY: AT THE STATE LEVEL, NCLC PRODUCED AN ISSUE BRIEF DETAILING HOW BORROWERS HAVE BENEFITTED FROM STATE INTEREST RATE CAPS OF 36% OR LESS, AND SUCCEEDED IN DRAWING BROAD COALITION SUPPORT AND RENEWED ATTENTION TO EVASIONS OF STATE INTEREST RATE CAPS. AT LEAST ONE HARMFUL RENT-A-BANK PROGRAM HAS BEEN SHUT DOWN; THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS FILED LAWSUITS AGAINST TWO LENDERS; THE CALIFORNIA REGULATOR HAS CRACKED DOWN AND LARGELY KEPT RENT-A-BANK PROGRAMS OUT; A BROAD BIPARTISAN COALITION OF STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL, ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS, HAVE COME OUT AGAINST "RENT-A-BANK" PROGRAMS, AND RENEWED ATTENTION IN CONGRESS AND IN AGENCIES APPEARS LIKELY TO LEAD TO MORE PROGRESS. CONFERENCES, TRAININGS AND PUBLICATIONS: NCLC PARTICIPATED IN AND PROVIDED TRAINING TO OVER 17,000 ATTORNEYS, ADVOCATES, POLICYMAKERS AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS IN CLOSE TO 100 WEBINARS, TRAININGS, VIRTUAL CONFERENCES, MEETINGS AND TOWN HALLS DURING 2021. THREE OF THESE WERE NCLC CONFERENCES (VIRTUAL): A FAIR DEBT COLLECTION CONFERENCE ON MARCH 8-12 (270 PARTICIPANTS); A MORTGAGE CONFERENCE ON JUNE 14-25 (416 PARTICIPANTS); AND A CONSUMER RIGHTS LITIGATION CONFERENCE ON DECEMBER 6-16 (756 PARTICIPANTS). NCLC ALSO UPDATED EACH OF OUR 21 CONSUMER LAW TREATISES AND PUBLISHED 24 FREE ARTICLES DETAILING NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN CONSUMER LAW. NCLC'S CONTINUALLY-UPDATED DIGITAL TREATISES AND ARTICLES WERE ACCESSED NEARLY HALF A MILLION TIMES AND WE SHARED UP-TO-DATE LEGAL INFORMATION AND EXPERTISE THROUGH LISTSERVS FOCUSING ON AUTO FRAUD; AUTO OWNERSHIP; BANKRUPTCY; DEBT COLLECTION; DISASTERS AND CONSUMER LAW; LOW-INCOME ENERGY, AND STUDENT LOANS. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B THE 990 IS SENT BY THE PREPARER VIA EMAIL AND IS REVIEWED AND REVISED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE BEFORE IT IS FILED. THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ALSO RECEIVES A COPY. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C EVERY YEAR, BOARD MEMBERS ARE CALLED UPON TO MAKE FULL CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURES AT THE BOARD'S ANNUAL MEETING. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PUTTING THIS ITEM ON THE MEETING AGENDA AND THE BOARD SECRETARY RECORDS THE RESULTS IN THE MINUTES. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 EVERY 3 YEARS, NCLC CONTRACTS WITH AN OUTSIDE PROFESSIONAL SALARY CONSULTANT FIRM TO DO A SALARY COMPARABILITY STUDY. THE BOARD APPROVES THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY AND SALARIES FOR ALL STAFF (INCLUDING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND OTHER KEY EMPLOYEES) ARE SET ACCORDINGLY. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 THE 990 AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C THIS PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FROM THE PRIOR YEAR. CONSUMER LAW BUILDING CORPORATION 7 WINTHROP SQUARE 4TH FLOOR BOSTON MA 02110 261951595 TO OWN AND DEVELOP 7 WINTHROP SQUARE MA 501(C)(3) 509(A)(3) NATIONAL CONSUMER LAW CENTER 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 CONSUMER LAW BUILDING CORPORATION D 4037342 FAIR MARKET VALUE CONSUMER LAW BUILDING CORPORATION K 780000 FAIR MARKET VALUE