In FY 12, the CBF awarded over $4 million in grants to more than 40 pro bono and legal aid organizations and related initiatives.  These grants are a fundamental part of the CBF’s efforts to ensure that all Chicagoans have access to justice.  Like the rest of what the CBF does, they are made possible by the generous support of thousands of lawyers and other legal professionals, more than 200 law firms and corporations, and many other dedicated partners from throughout the Chicago area.  A significant portion – $1.55 million – of the CBF’s grants in FY 12 were made possible by the 6th Annual CBF Investing in Justice Campaign.

Through general operating grants and investments in innovative projects and initiatives, the CBF's grants help to meet immediate legal needs in our community, strengthen our community's pro bono and legal aid system, and make other longer-term systemic improvements in access to justice. The CBF funds a continuum of legal services to help people in need, ranging from web-based information and resources to legal aid hotlines, advice desks and clinics, to extended legal representation and larger impact litigation and advocacy. The CBF also supports organizations that provide free mediation services and organizations that engage the bar and broader legal community in improving access to justice through pro bono and other efforts.

In FY 13, the CBF will award four (4) types of grants:

1) Organizational Support (general operating support)
2) Special Projects (project-based support)
3) Fellowships and Scholarships
4) Other Grants

View a list of the grants the CBF awarded during its recently completed fiscal year.

For more information about the CBF’s grants, please contact Ryanne Easley at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 312/554-1247.