Follow the Money

Report Details

What is the National Equity Project?

The National Equity Project, based in Oakland, Ca., was established on April 13, 1995, as a nonprofit with the California Secretary of State, as the Bay Area Coalition of Essential Schools. 

In July 2010, it registered a new name, National Equity Project. It describes itself as a “leadership and systems change organization committed to increasing the capacity of people to achieve thriving, self-determining, educated, and just communities.” It says its mission is to “transform the experiences, outcomes, and life options for children and families who have been historically underserved by our institutions and systems.”

In February 2021, the company registered Na’ilah Suad Nasir as the chief executive officer and Gloria Lee as the secretary. The chief financial officer was Brian Stanley and the agent for service was LaShawn Route-Chatmon.

In its 2020 IRS Form 990, documenting its finances, the National Equity Project had $8.8 million in total revenue in 2020, an increase from $7.4 million the year before.

Its executive director, LaShawn Route-Chatmon earned $211,133, plus a $25,045 bonus, totaling $236,178 in compensation. Seven other staffers earned between $116,783 to 167,594, along with attractive bonuses. 

What services does the National Equity Project offer?  

The association’s Consulting Services include:

• “Leadership and Team Development”
• “Executive Coaching”
• “Strategy Development and Implementation”
• “Networks and Communities of Practice“
• “Liberatory Design”
• “Research and Analysis”

What K-12 work has the National Equity Project done? 

On July 7, 2021, its client list included a list of school districts and organizations.

We have received contracts from a number of school districts.

ILLINOIS

Chicago Public Schools

In purchase requisition No. 7622911, approved on May 13, 2021, Chicago Public Schools agreed to a $20,000 contract in which National Equity Project said it would lead “Role-Alike Affinity Groups to build leadership capacity and skill.”

The contract, dated June 16, 2020, was for the time period from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

Forest Park School District 91

In a Nov. 12, 2020, email, related to a $20,000 contract with Forest Park School District 91, National Equity Project said it would lead “Role-Alike Affinity Groups to build leadership capacity and skill.”