I have been reflecting on how the right support at the right time can change the trajectory of a person’s life. When people get help early, before problems escalate into crisis, it can open the door to stability, opportunity, and long-term well-being.   At the DC Bar Foundation, I see our grantee partners putting this promise into practice. Their programs are reaching people earlier in the life cycle of the challenges they face, and I’m excited that our funding and support al

When someone survives a crime, the path forward can be complicated. Legal systems, emotional healing, and practical needs often collide, leaving survivors to navigate multiple systems at once.   One DC Bar Foundation grantee partner is working to change that experience. Volare provides trauma-informed legal services, advocacy, and therapeutic support while also pushing for broader policy reforms that strengthen how communities respond to harm. Last year, they received the Com

So far, 18 generous sponsors have contributed $127,000 toward our $500,000 fundraising goal for the 2026 DC Walk for Justice 5K. Will you encourage your workplace to join them?   The third annual DC Walk for Justice 5K is happening on Thursday, October 22, at Nationals Park, and the DC Bar Foundation invites all DC-area law firms, businesses, and corporations to partner with us by sponsoring this year’s event.   In sponsoring this event, your company will foster closer ties

Aracelis Gray of the DC Bar Foundation, Nancy Drane of the DC Access to Justice Commission, Indira Henard of the DC Rape Crisis Center, and Koube Ngaaje of the District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH) testify at the Performance Oversight Hearing before the DC Council's Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety. Photo courtesy of Eveylyn Rupert of Legal Aid DC. Fearing for her young granddaughters’ safety, Christy Webster didn’t hesitate to offer them loving care in her ow

Board of Directors Applications Due February 12 The DC Bar Foundation is seeking candidates for our board of directors for three-year terms, from October 2026 through September 2029. The Foundation seeks individuals with experience in nonprofit finance, nonprofit governance, and impact-driven philanthropy. DC residency is preferred. Candidates should reference their familiarity with the DC legal aid community in their cover letter. A law degree is not required. Please submit

The DC Bar Foundation is fortunate to have loyal 77 Society  donors who make our mission possible through their generosity. This month, we spoke with Miranda Hallett, intellectual property associate at Arnold & Porter who began a second career in law after receiving a PhD in cancer development and biology. Miranda joined the 77 Society in 2025 and is a key member of the DC Bar Foundation’s Young Lawyers Network Leadership Council (YLN LC), where she serves as an Avenues to Ju

At Bread for the City —a DC Bar Foundation grantee partner—their mission is to help DC residents living with low income to develop their power to determine the future of their own communities. By providing food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services, they help reduce the burden of poverty. Part of their mission and vision is to “seek justice through community organizing and public advocacy”. In this Q&A with Su Sie Ju, legal director at Bread for the City, she

As the new year begins, I am reflecting on the DC Bar Foundation's evolution since I joined in January 2014. For many years, we have committed to “Invest in Justice,” and in the last 12 years, we have prioritized investing in programs and systems that give DC residents access to legal services when they need them. I am grateful for what we have been able to accomplish, none of which would have been possible without the partnership and commitment of so many. Indulge me a momen

We’re Hiring: Grants Database Manager   DC Resource Bridge Brand Identity Wins Graphic Design Award The DC Resource Bridge brand identity was entered into Graphic Design USA’s 62nd annual Graphic Design Awards competition, and it won. This recognition reflects the creativity, collaboration, and care that went into developing a visual identity that truly represents the purpose and impact of the DCRB. As a winning design, the DCRB brand identity will be featured in the 2025 GDU

The DC Bar Foundation is fortunate to have an extensive network of corporate and individual donors who consistently support our work year after year. As we wrap up the year, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to these donors for contributing over $1 million this year to the DC Bar Foundation by supporting our various events and fundraising campaigns. Thank you for making access to justice a reality for so many in DC!   This $1 million contribut