July 2025 News of Note

Grants Applications Open Soon

The FY26 Grants Application will open on August 1, 2025, and close on August 29, 2025. Sample application materials are now available on our website under each respective Grants Program page. For full details and instructions on how to apply, please visit: How to Apply.

Sponsor and Register for the 2025 DC Walk for Justice 5K 

Join the 16 law firms and companies who have already sponsored the DC Walk for Justice 5K.  Join us on Thursday, October 23 at Nationals Park for a 5K walk supporting access to justice in the District. Walker registration is now open. 

This year we aim to raise $325,000 for civil legal aid in DC. We encourage participants to create or join a DC Walk for Justice fundraising team. You will receive an email with information on how to do so, after you register.  We look forward to seeing you in October! 

Save the Date: Fall Reception November 18 

Join the DC Bar Foundation for our annual Fall Reception on Tuesday, November 18! We look forward to highlighting the Foundation's recent initiatives, recognizing the work of our grantee partners and the ongoing support of our loyal donors, leaders, and volunteers, and presenting the 2025 Jerrold Scoutt Prize to Rebecca Goldfrank, legal director at the DC Affordable Law Firm.

The Scoutt Prize is awarded annually to an attorney who has worked for a significant portion of their career at a nonprofit organization, providing devoted, skillful, and compassionate legal work for underserved residents of the District of Columbia. 

Is Your IOLTA Helping Legal Aid?

Where your firm holds IOLTA accounts can make a big difference in ensuring access to justice. Banks that sign on as Prime Partners pay the highest interest rates pay higher interest rates, and therefor generate the most funds for civil legal aid. You can make sure your firm’s IOLTA funds are supporting legal aid by holding IOLTA funds at a Prime Partner or Benchmark bank.