Support the Project

Your tax deductible gift helps give freedom back.

Donation FAQs

Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Gifts to the California Innocence Project are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax Number: 95-2944594. Consult your tax advisor for questions regarding your specific tax situation.

What does my donation pay for?
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, all donations received by the California Innocence Project pay for the costly work involved with the Projects three missions: freeing the innocent, training law students, and improving our criminal justice system. For example, it costs CIP $25 to obtain documents used to investigate a case; it costs $250 dollars to visit an innocent client in prison; and it costs $1,000 to conduct a DNA test on evidence.

Is my donation secure?
Yes. All donations given through our website are processed securely through Stripe. CIP does not retain any credit card or bank information.

All mailed donations are processed by the California Innocence Project through secure technology to ensure that your payment and personal information are protected. CIP will not sell, distribute, or trade your information to anyone.

Will I receive a receipt?
Yes. For online donations, you will receive a receipt via Stripe, as well as a tax letter via email from CIP. For mailed donations, we will mail you a receipt in the form of a tax letter.

Can I mail my donation?
Of course. Please address your donation to “The California Innocence Project, c/o Michael Semanchik, 225 Cedar Street, San Diego, CA, 92101.”

Do you accept cash donations?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept donations in cash. If you would like to give, please consider giving through our website with your credit or debit card, or mailing a check. Thank you!

Can I give gifts through my Donor Advised Fund?
Absolutely. Donations through your DAF are greatly appreciated! Please use the following information when processing your DAF gift:

  • Organization Name: California Innocence Project
  • Federal Tax #: 95-2944594 (We share a Tax ID with California Western School of Law. Please be sure to list “California Innocence Project” as a beneficiary.)
  • Mailing Address: 225 Cedar Street, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Contact Name: Michael Semanchik
  • Contact Title: Managing Attorney
  • Contact Phone: 619-515-1379
  • Contact Email: mike@californiainnocenceproject.org

Can I give through an endowment?
We would be honored to receive a legacy gift from you. For information about planned giving, please see the “Planned Giving” portion of our website here.

Information for Donors

Make a gift today and you can help the California Innocence Project free wrongfully convicted men and women who are imprisoned for a crime they did not commit. By supporting the California Innocence Project, you’ll help uphold the integrity of our criminal justice system now and for years to come.  From investigation to exoneration, your donation provides the California Innocence Project with the resources required to pursue an innocence claim within our legal system.

For more information about more ways to give, such as estate planning, tribute or honor giving, or employer giving, please contact Michael Semanchik at mike@californiainnocenceproject.org.

California Western School of Law is a Non-Profit Organization under the IRS Code 501(c)(3). Gifts to the California Innocence Project may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law (EIN#: 95-2944594).  Consult your tax advisor for questions regarding your specific tax situation.

Leave a Legacy

All it takes is a quick phone call to your lawyer to add a charitable gift to your will or trust, using the language to the right. Please let us know when you add the California Innocence Project to your will or trust so that we may express our appreciation..

Will Language:

“I give to the California Innocence Project, located in San Diego, California, [the sum of $______] OR [ % of the residue of my estate], to be used by the California Innocence Project [for its general purposes] OR [according to a statement of intent previously agreed to by the California Innocence Project and me].”

Trust Language:

“My Trustee shall distribute to the California Innocence Project, located in San Diego, California, [the sum of $______ ] OR [ % of the residue of my estate], to be used by the California Innocence Project [for its general purposes] OR [according to a statement of intent previously agreed to by the California Innocence Project and me].”