Reports & Publications

Thorough evaluation and reporting are essential to measuring and enhancing the impact and effectiveness of the DC Bar Foundation’s programs and initiatives.

Since 2018, the DC Bar Foundation has partnered with multiple external evaluation companies, including NPC Research, Visible Network Lab, and Mission Partners, to gather community feedback and assess its initiatives. These partnerships have assisted the Foundation in its efforts to evaluate the implementation and impacts of its programs and to engage with communities across the District of Columbia to collect feedback that drives program design and improvements, and advances our awareness of unmet needs.

Over the years, the Foundation has expanded its evaluation and reporting capacity to include various programs, such as the Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP), the DC Resource Bridge (formerly known as CIR), and initiatives related to the DC Social Justice Transformations Network. Additionally, the Foundation has laid the groundwork for evaluating grants under the Access to Justice program.

We are also strongly committed to enhancing our internal data and evaluation capabilities to ensure that evidence-based insights continue to guide program development and maximize impact.

Click on the images below to read our various reports.

Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) Evaluation: 2024 Annual Evaluation Report

The Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) is a grant initiative administered by the DC Bar Foundation, aimed at providing legal assistance to low-income DC residents at risk of eviction or losing housing subsidies. The 2024 Annual Evaluation report highlights key activities, services provided, and outcomes from October 2023 to September 2024. Importantly, CLCPP partner organizations worked with each other and community-based organizations to increase capacity as demand for services increased post-pandemic. They continued to expand and support the Housing Right to Counsel (HRTC) and the Eviction Prevention in the Community (EPIC) projects.

Biannual Progress Report to the Council of the District of Columbia and the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants: Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) Evaluation

The Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) provides legal assistance to low-income DC residents facing eviction or housing subsidy loss. This Biannual report evaluates the programs activities and outcomes during the period from July to December 2024. CLCPP closed over 1,600 cases in this reporting period, and helped 365 families stay housed. Of the people who requested legal services from the CLCPP, 82% identified as Black or African-American, 68% identified as women, and 64% reported household income below 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, emphasizing the need for these services for underserved communities.

October 2024 Biannual Progress Report to the Council of the District of Columbia and the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants: Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) Evaluation

The Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) was established by the DC Council to provide legal assistance to low-income DC residents facing eviction or the loss of housing subsidies. The program, which now includes seven legal service providers, was expanded in 2022 to also assist tenants with initiating legal actions such as housing condition repairs or subsidy changes. Biannual reports are submitted to evaluate the program's activities and outcomes, with the current report covering the period from January to June 2024.

April 2024 Biannual Progress Report to the Council of the District of Columbia and the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants: Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) Evaluation

The Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) provides legal assistance to low-income DC residents facing eviction or housing subsidy loss. From July to December 2023, the program closed nearly 2,000 cases, serving tenants primarily from Wards 7 and 8, with a large proportion of clients identifying as Black women and facing additional vulnerabilities like disability or housing instability. The program successfully retained housing for 302 families and relaunched the Housing Right to Counsel project, while also strengthening partnerships with community-based organizations to expand outreach and enhance eviction prevention efforts.

Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) Evaluation: 2023 Annual Evaluation Report, February 2024

The Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) is a grant initiative established by the DC Council in 2017 to provide legal assistance to low-income DC residents at risk of eviction or losing housing subsidies. Administered by the DC Bar Foundation, the program has expanded to include tenant petition cases, such as those involving substandard housing conditions, with the Children's Law Center joining as the 7th grantee in 2023. The 2023 annual evaluation report highlights key activities, services provided, and outcomes from October 2022 to September 2023, along with insights from structured interviews with network partners.

December 2023 Biannual Progress Report to the Council of the District of Columbia and the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants: Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) Evaluation

The Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) provides legal assistance to low-income DC residents facing eviction or the loss of housing subsidies. The program’s network of legal service providers has helped thousands of tenants, with a significant proportion being Black women, and continues to play a crucial role in eviction prevention efforts. The CLCPP also strengthens outreach efforts and collaborations with community-based organizations to ensure broader access to legal resources and improve tenants' housing stability.

April 2023 Biannual Progress Report to the Council of the District of Columbia and the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants: Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) Evaluation

The Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) aims to assist low-income DC residents facing eviction or the loss of housing subsidies by providing legal support through a network of service providers. During the 2023 reporting period, the program served over 1,700 tenants, with a significant portion of clients from Wards 7 and 8, and a majority identifying as Black or African American. The CLCPP continues to enhance outreach efforts, collaborate with community organizations, and provide legal advice and representation, helping tenants retain housing and navigate eviction proceedings effectively.

Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program 2022 Annual Evaluation Report

The report outlines the success and challenges of the Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) in assisting low-income DC residents facing eviction or housing issues. In the 2023 reporting period, CLCPP served over 1,700 tenants, with a large percentage living in Wards 7 and 8, and most clients being Black or African American. The program focuses on providing legal advice, representation, and connecting tenants with resources, while also collaborating with community organizations to strengthen outreach and prevent displacement.

Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) Evaluation: Landlord-Tenant Legal Assistance Network (LTLAN) Customer Survey Study Report

The report evaluates the Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP) from 2019-2024, highlighting its role in providing legal assistance to low-income DC residents at risk of eviction or losing housing subsidies. It shows a high demand for services, particularly in Wards 7 and 8, with most clients being Black women and families facing significant vulnerabilities. The program has helped thousands by offering legal counsel, representation, and connecting tenants to additional resources, contributing to successful outcomes such as avoiding eviction for many clients.

DC Bar Foundation’s Family Law Learning Network (FLLN) Summary Report

The Family Law Learning Network (FLLN), funded by the DC Bar Foundation, aimed to increase data capacity and knowledge-sharing among legal aid providers, evolving from a learning network into an action network through collaborative efforts like a litigant survey. Key to the network's success were the strong relationships built among partners, which created a foundation for sustainable collaboration and systems-level change in civil legal aid. The FLLN highlighted the importance of network coordination, investment in data-related training for legal staff, and supporting administrative capacity to effectively integrate evaluation and collaboration into legal services organizations.

October 2022 Biannual Progress Report to the Council of the District of Columbia and the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants: Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program

Since August 2019, the CLCPP network has closed 6,048 eviction and voucher termination cases, providing legal assistance to 5,101 low-income DC residents. In the first half of 2022, the network handled 1,311 cases, assisting 1,113 clients, with a focus on tenants facing active eviction complaints, and provided representation to 72% of those clients. The CLCPP also collaborated with community organizations to prevent evictions by connecting tenants to legal and financial resources, enhancing access to justice through a holistic model of eviction prevention.

Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP): Annual Evaluation Report, FY2021

The CIR System aims to expand access to justice in DC by simplifying the process of connecting residents with legal services through a user-centered approach. It offers the potential to create an efficient referral network that benefits legal services organizations by streamlining access and triaging cases based on providers' criteria. Input from legal services providers and allied organizations, gathered through a Request for Design Feedback, will help shape the system's development and ensure its success.

2024

The DC Bar Foundation's 2024 Annual Report highlights its record-breaking $28.04 million in grants to 35 legal aid organizations, supporting access to justice for underserved D.C. residents. 2024 saw the successful pilot of the DC Resource Bridge, which will launch in full in 2025. The Foundation also hosted its first annual DC Walk for Justice 5K, held at Nationals Park, which raised over $162,000 and brought together over 300 individuals, proving that our partners and dedicated stakeholders are committed to an equitable justice system.

The 2024 Annual Report is also available in an interactive web version.

2023

The DC Bar Foundation's 2023 Annual Report highlights its record-breaking $26.44 million in grants to 37 legal aid organizations, supporting access to justice for underserved D.C. residents. The Foundation also released its Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program Annual Evaluation Report, reflecting its commitment to transparency and accountability. With ongoing community feedback and partnerships, the DCBF continues to address critical legal needs and improve its impact on vulnerable populations.

2022

The DC Bar Foundation’s 2022 Annual Report highlights the organization’s $19.3 million in grants, supporting 36 legal aid organizations and enhancing access to civil legal services in Washington, D.C. The Foundation continued its efforts to improve the legal aid network through initiatives like the Coordinated Intake and Referral System and the DC Legal Aid Transformations Network, which facilitated collaboration across stakeholders. Additionally, the Foundation focused on racial equity, providing training for grantees and committing to combating anti-Black racism within the legal system.

2021

In 2021, the DC Bar Foundation awarded over $10.9 million in grants to 31 legal aid organizations, supporting efforts to keep families in their homes and protect individuals in the workplace. The Foundation made significant strides in transforming the civil legal aid system, including the launch of the DC Legal Aid Transformations Network and the creation of a Coordinated Intake and Referral System. Additionally, racial equity was emphasized through training, assessments, and the development of a Racial Equity Roadmap to guide future initiatives.

2020

The DC Bar Foundation’s 2020 Annual Report highlights its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including $100,000 in emergency grants to legal aid organizations helping vulnerable DC residents. The Foundation awarded over $10.5 million in grants, supporting programs that protected families, workers, and communities of color during the crisis. Key initiatives included expanding legal aid networks, providing racial justice training for attorneys, and advancing a strategic vision to transform the civil legal aid ecosystem in the District.

2019

The DC Bar Foundation’s 2019 Annual Report highlights its work with the civil legal aid community to address the legal needs of disadvantaged District residents and ensure equal access to justice. In 2019, the Foundation awarded $9.3 million in grants to support projects that protect residents' rights, including a shared legal interpreter bank and a crime victim referral network. DCBF also offers a Loan Repayment Assistance Program to help recruit and retain attorneys in legal aid and invests in professional development opportunities, such as racial justice training, while evaluating the impact of its eviction defense program.

2018

The DC Bar Foundation’s 2018 Annual Report highlights the Foundation’s work with DC's civil legal aid community to address the legal challenges faced by low-income residents and ensure equal access to justice. In 2018, the Foundation awarded over $10 million in grants to support legal aid organizations, including funding eviction defense efforts through its Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP). DCBF also offers a Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) to help recruit and retain attorneys in legal aid organizations, and supports professional development opportunities, including funding key local legal resources.

The DC Social Justice Transformations Network (formerly DC Legal Aid Transformations Network) creates space to meet, collaborate, and identify strategic action steps for establishing and advancing anti-racist, anti-poverty, user-centered systems that promote the wellbeing of all District residents.

DC Social Justice Transformations Network 2021-2024 Comparative Report

The DC Social Justice Transformations Network (DCSJTN) aims to promote anti-racist, anti-poverty, and user-centered systems for the well-being of District residents, with a focus on legal aid services. Surveys conducted in 2021, 2022, and 2024 reveal that the network has fostered strong relational trust and collaboration among members, who report notable progress in anti-racism and diversity efforts. Moving forward, the network seeks to enhance its structure, engage key stakeholders more effectively, and deepen successful initiatives.

DC Social Justice Transformations Network 2021-2024 Report: Comparative Highlights

The report’s findings highlight that the DC Social Justice Transformations Network (DCSJTN) has successfully built strong relationships among diverse organizations working toward common goals of racial justice and equity. Over time, the network has seen improvements in collaboration, with members noting enhanced trust, diversity, and anti-racism efforts in their work. Additionally, the report emphasizes that while progress has been made, further steps are needed to strengthen partnerships, improve stakeholder engagement, and deepen the impact on legal aid access and social justice transformation.

DC Social Justice Transformations Network 2021-2024 Report: Social Network Analysis Highlights

This report presents findings from a Social Network Analysis (SNA) conducted with the DC Social Justice Transformations Network (DCSJTN) to evaluate the effectiveness of its collaboration efforts. The survey results highlight key resources contributed by organizations, such as expertise in legal aid, community connections, and advocacy, and also identify barriers to greater impact, including lack of staff and competing priorities. Overall, the network shows high levels of trust among partners, effective coordination, and strong progress in anti-racism and diversity work, though challenges remain in clarifying goals and increasing engagement.

DC Social Justice Transformations Network 2021-2024 Report: Project Teams Subnetwork Brief

The report examines the structure and effectiveness of the DC Social Justice Transformations Network (DCSJTN), focusing on its project teams and Network Action Teams (NAT). Findings indicate that organizations involved in these teams are more connected and collaborative, with high-centrality organizations leading key efforts, particularly in legal aid and health services. However, gaps were identified, such as underrepresentation from academia, government, and technology sectors, and areas for improvement included clearer goals, better communication, and stronger engagement to enhance the network's overall impact.

DC Social Justice Transformations Network 2021-2024 Report: Referral Initiatives Subnetwork Brief

This report focuses on the referral network within the DC Social Justice Transformations Network (DCSJTN), which connects 58 organizations to exchange client referrals. Key findings show that legal aid providers are the primary participants, with a significant focus on housing, immigration, public benefits, and disability rights. The network is highly valued and trusted by its members, with a majority reporting that the Coordinated Intake and Referral system has been effective in improving legal aid access across all DC wards.

DC Social Justice Transformations Network 2021-2024 Report: Celebrations Brief

This report assesses the progress and effectiveness of the DC Social Justice Transformations Network (DCSJTN) over time, focusing on network collaboration and the impact of sustained participation. It highlights significant improvements, including a 31% increase in network facilitation and meeting design effectiveness, and reveals that organizations involved long-term reported twice as many outcomes and higher centrality scores. The report emphasizes the importance of effectiveness in network facilitation, noting that clearer communication, improved collaboration, and increased engagement have driven notable progress in achieving social justice goals.

Designing a Coordinated Intake and Referral (CIR) System for Civil Legal Services in the District of Columbia: Input from Legal Services Providers and Allied Organizations

The DC Legal Aid Transformations Network (DC LATN) has grown from 75 to 103 members over its first three years, focusing on building a user-centered system with an emphasis on anti-racism and anti-poverty, including creating a coordinated intake and referral system. While the network's composition has diversified, with legal aid providers remaining central, there has been a decrease in the average number and intensity of collaborative relationships, suggesting that sustainable collaboration doesn't always require increasing connections. Trust and perceived value between network members have significantly improved, with increased knowledge sharing and cross-sector collaboration, resulting in members gaining valuable perspectives, contacts, and collaboration strategies.

DC Legal Aid Transformations Network Fall 2022 Report: Comparative Highlights

The DC Legal Aid Transformations Network (DC LATN) has grown from 75 to 103 organizations and focused on creating a coordinated intake and referral system, with increased participation in 2022. The network’s structure has diversified, with collaboration now more focused on cooperation rather than intensive integration, making it more sustainable. Trust and perceived value have improved among network members, with effective knowledge exchange and collaboration being seen as key factors in the network's success, although further work on anti-racism and diversity issues within the network is needed.

DC Legal Aid Transformations Network Fall 2022 Report: Survey Highlights Brief

The DC Legal Aid Transformations Network (DC LATN) continues to grow, bringing together 103 organizations focused on advancing a user-centered, anti-racist, and anti-poverty system. A recent survey of 61 network members highlighted barriers such as competing priorities, unclear goals, and lack of capacity, while identifying collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and cross-sector partnerships as essential for success. Although increased knowledge-sharing was seen as a key success, respondents noted that improved services and outcomes for target populations remain areas for further development.

DC Legal Aid Transformations Network 2021 Report

The findings highlight several strengths within the network, including the valuable roles that members play, such as content experts and peer consultants, and the importance of collaboration in areas like decision-making, knowledge-sharing, and having a shared mission. Key opportunities for growth include increasing connectivity among members, fostering new collaborations, and creating a resource inventory for easier access to valuable contributions. Additionally, the network can enhance its efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating a forum for discussion, ensuring alignment on the network’s long-term goals, and considering the sustainability of relationships in the future.

The DC Bar Foundation's work is centered on ensuring that access to our civil justice system does not depend on wealth, knowledge, or power. We are creating a Coordinated Intake and Referral System known as the DC Resource Bridge to streamline access to legal services for DC residents. The District of Columbia has more than 50 civil legal aid providers and this system will increase coordination among providers, which, in turn, will create an easier process for those seeking assistance.

Coordinated Intake and Referral (CIR) for Civil Legal Aid in the District of Columbia: Evaluation of the Pilot Launch of the DC Resource Bridge

The DC Resource Bridge (DCRB) pilot, launched in June 2024, aimed to improve access to civil legal services by offering a coordinated intake and referral system. The pilot successfully facilitated 122 cases, with 70% of applicants being referred to legal services providers, although challenges like non-linear referral processes and case placements were noted. Key takeaways include the effectiveness of the technology platform, the importance of clear communication and collaboration among providers, and the need for further refinements as the DCRB expands to ensure smooth operations and enhanced service delivery.

Designing a Coordinated Intake and Referral (CIR) System for Civil Legal Aid in the District of Columbia: Summary of Existing Intake Network Input

The report discusses the design of a Coordinated Intake and Referral (CIR) system to streamline access to civil legal aid services in Washington, D.C. Focus groups with members of three existing intake networks (FLAN, LTLAN, and VLNDC) shared insights on their intake and referral processes, highlighting best practices and challenges. The goal of the CIR system is to ensure that residents are quickly connected with appropriate legal services based on their needs and eligibility, improving overall efficiency and access to justice.

Designing a Coordinated Intake and Referral (CIR) System for Civil Legal Aid in the District of Columbia: Summary of Input Gathered from District Residents

The Civil Intake and Referral (CIR) System aims to improve access to justice for DC residents by streamlining the process of finding legal assistance, addressing the "justice gap" caused by a lack of awareness of available services. Focus group feedback emphasizes the importance of the system being easy to use, effective, accountable, and user-centered, with compassionate staff and strong integration into the broader service ecosystem. To succeed, the CIR System must be reliable, efficient, and maintain a positive reputation in the community while meeting the demand for legal services and ensuring timely and appropriate referrals.

Designing a Coordinated Intake and Referral (CIR) System for Civil Legal Services in the District of Columbia: Input from Legal Services Providers and Allied Organizations

Designing a Coordinated Intake and Referral (CIR) System for Civil Legal Services in the District of Columbia: Client and Community Member Input

The CIR System has the potential to transform the civil legal aid system in Washington, DC, improving access to legal services and justice for residents. Its success depends on timely referrals, technical ease, broad participation from legal organizations, and maintaining a reputation for accessibility, reliability, and effectiveness. Focus group feedback offers valuable recommendations to ensure the system is user-centered and successful in its goals.

STAFF

Reports & Publications

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2023 Form 990 (PDF

2022 Form 990 (PDF)

2021 Form 990 (PDF)

2020 Form 990 (PDF)

2019 Form 990 (PDF)

2018 Form 990 (PDF)

2017 Form 990 (PDF)

2023 Audited Financial Statements

2022 Audited Financial Statements

2021 Audited Financial Statements

2020 Audited Financial Statements

2019 Audited Financial Statements

2018 Audited Financial Statements

2017 Audited Financial Statements

2016 Audited Financial Statements