PEP is comprised of two separate corporate entities, Protect Ethical Prosecutors and Protect Ethical Prosecutors Foundation. Although both PEP and PEP Foundation are part of the same overall organization, it is necessary that PEP have two separate organizations. This is necessary in order for the PEP to do a broad range of work to promote prosecutorial ethics, accountability and transparency and to deter unethical prosecutors from bringing wrongful charges and convicting innocent people. This website collectively refers to the two organizations under the name “PEP.”

Although there is some overlap in the work done by each organization (advocacy and education), certain activities PEP does to promote prosecutorial ethics and deter unethical conduct must be done by one organization and not the other. This is primarily in the area of lobbying. PEP engages in legislative lobbying.  As an organization that is eligible to receive contributions that are tax-deductible by the contributor, federal law limits the extent to which PEP Foundation may engage in lobbying activities. Therefore, most of the lobbying activity done by PEP and discussed in this Web site is done by the PEP. By contrast, most of PEP’s advocacy including submission of attorney regulation complaints, recommending rule changes, education and communication efforts described in this Web site are done by the PEP Foundation.

You may make a contribution to either Protect Ethical Prosecutors, PEP Foundation or both. A contribution to either organization will be used to promote prosecutorial ethics and deter unethical prosecutors from harming innocent people. However, each organization will only use the funds contributed directly to it to carry out the specific activities it conducts as part of the overall PEP mission. A donor may make a tax-deductible gift only to the PEP Foundation. A donor who chooses to support the legislative efforts is making a contribution to PEP. Donations to PEP are not tax deductible.

If you prefer to make a tax deductible gift, we encourage you to support the 501(c)(3) PEP Foundation. By donating to both PEP and PEP Foundation, donors can support all three arms of PEP’s overall mission (Advocacy, Education, Political Participation) and take advantage of a tax deduction for part of their gift.