Impact
Thanks to the leadership and support from Chicago’s legal community and our many other dedicated partners, you are making real progress through the CBF by improving access to justice for people in need and making the legal system more fair, equitable, and effective for everyone through grants, advocacy, and innovation.
Here’s how we’re making a difference together:
Grants
Over $50 million in grants ($2M+ annually) to support dozens of pro bono and legal aid organizations serving our area, as well as innovative projects that are making a longer-term impact.
Courts
The CBF works closely with the state and federal courts to improve access and reduce barriers for the growing numbers of people who come into the courts without lawyers.
Advocacy
Educating legislators and government officials about the need for federal, state and local policies and legislation to support legal aid and improve access to justice, resulting in many successful legislative initiatives in recent years.
Pro Bono
Pro bono attorneys play a critical role in making the justice system more fair and accessible for everyone. Learn about how you can use your legal skills to help people in need, and how your support for the CBF is improving the overall pro bono system.
Patton Legal Aid Academy
An innovative pro bono program to improve training and professional development opportunities for legal aid attorneys and staff.
Justice Entrepreneurs Project (JEP)
A groundbreaking incubator program empowering lawyers to build innovative practices to more affordably and effectively serve everyday people and small businesses.
Fellowships, Scholarships and Internships
The CBF has made it more manageable for over 100 inspiring legal aid and public service attorneys to pursue and continue their important work to make our justice system fairer and more accessible for everyone.
Nonprofit Legal Support Project
The NLSP is one of the pillars of the broader Nonprofit Resilience Hub working to assist Illinois nonprofits facing issues related to DEI programs, 501(c)(3) status, federal funding and certifications, and restructuring or mergers. It is a partnership between The Chicago Bar Foundation, Forefront, and the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, with a distinguished advisory committee of nonprofit and law firm experts and other local and national partners playing key roles.
Our Impact In Numbers
Grants that support access to justice initiatives awarded annually
$7 Million
Chicagoans in need of legal assistance served each year
Tens of thousands
Chicago area Legal Aid Organizations supported
30+