August 25, 2025
Since the new Administration took office in January, nonprofits in Illinois and beyond are facing heightened federal scrutiny for their programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as threats to their federal funding and other government pressures.
Thanks to a major grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and an impressive collaboration of other legal aid, nonprofit, and pro bono partners, the CBF is one of the leaders in a new Nonprofit Legal Support Project to help nonprofits navigate this evolving legal terrain.
To help nonprofits respond to these new DEI-related threats and other threats to their federal funding and support, the CBF has worked with our pro bono and legal aid partners, local and national nonprofit partners, and local foundations to develop a central hub that nonprofits can go to for resources and connections to pro bono legal assistance.
The Nonprofit Legal Support Project is a partnership between the CBF, Forefront, and the Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, with a distinguished advisory committee of nonprofit and law firm experts and many other local and national partners playing key roles.
The project includes a dedicated and curated web page on the Forefront website where nonprofits can go for the latest information and resources on the changing legal environment, as well as connections to pro bono legal advice and assistance.
With the new grant from the MacArthur Foundation, the project partners will be able to significantly expand access to tiered legal services for nonprofits responding to legal challenges from the federal government. These legal challenges include issues related to their DEI programs as well as other legal issues involving federal grants and contracts, including sudden funding terminations that have become common in recent months.
Along with the major funding from the MacArthur Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust has provided significant additional support for this project, and several other area foundations are supporting a broader suite of financial and management resources for nonprofits through Forefront.
Watch for more updates on this exciting new project in the coming weeks and months, and if you are interested in learning more or getting involved, please contact CBF Executive Director Bob Glaves.