DCBF Grant Frequently Asked Questions

Print PDF
Q. My organization is not in the District of Columbia. Are we eligible for a DCBF grant?

No.  The DC Bar Foundation only makes grants to organizations that are physically located and operating in the District of Columbia.

Q. We are a national non-profit housed in DC that does some legal services. Are we eligible?

It depends on the size, focus, and scope of your legal services program.  The DCBF has in the past funded several national non-profit organizations that have one or more lawyers dedicated exclusively to the provision of legal services in the District of Columbia. Please contact grants@dcbarfoundation.org for more information.

Q. How can I determine whether my organization should apply for a grant?

If your organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit  in the District of Columbia, providing direct civil legal services to low-income District residents, you should carefully review the list of DCBF’s current grantees.  If your organization serves a need, client population, or geographic area that is not addressed by a current grantee, you may be eligible for funding.  DCBF strongly encourages close collaboration among civil legal services providers in the District, in part to ensure that there is no needless duplication of the administrative expenses associated with having separate organizations.

Q. Who makes the DCBF’s grant decisions?

The DC Bar Foundation Board makes final grant decisions, based on the recommendation of the DCBF Director of Programs.  

Q. Does the Foundation award multi-year grants?

No.  The Bar Foundation awards grants for a 12-month period.  In certain circumstances, grants may be extended  beyond the 12 months. 

Q. We're not applying for a grant but some of our lawyers may be eligible for LRAP. What now?

Your organization needs to apply for eligible employer status. Check the LRAP Employer Info for more information.