DC Bar Foundation

DCBF is the leading funder of civil legal aid in DC, committed to the vision that DC residents have equal access to justice, regardless of income.

[Kathy Zeisel @kathyzindc]

Thanks to @CMRobertWhiteDC & @charlesallen for sending money for critical Access to Justice funds! Thanks to @CMBrookePinto for continuing to look for funds for ATJ! The cuts are devastating & we hope the full Council can fully fund legal services.

[DC Bar Foundation @DCBarFoundation]

In times of crisis, legal services are a lifeline. Urge @councilofdc to restore funding to its ATJ Initiative. Click here to advocate for legal services that keep vulnerable DC residents safe, housed, & economically secure: https://t.co/JayyxBQAOf.

@DCATJComm @DCAffordableLaw

[Rhonda Cunningham Holmes @RhondaCHolmes]

Urge the @councilofdc to restore its investment in ATJ funding that enables DC older adults to age with dignity in the neighborhoods they helped build. DC's $1.74 M investment in 2025 generated a $6.2M return in direct client benefits. Funds well spent.

[LCE @LCEinDC]

An 86% cut in funds for the Access to Justice Initiative is balancing the District’s budget on the backs of older and vulnerable residents, will not contribute to growth and solvency, but leads to homelessness and despair.
Restore ATJ funding.

[DC Bar Foundation @DCBarFoundation]

There is no right to a lawyer in civil legal cases. We urge you to ask @councilofdc to restore funding to its ATJ Initiative. Click here to advocate for legal services that keep vulnerable DC residents safe, housed, and economically secure: https://t.co/JayyxBQAOf.

@DCATJComm

[DC Rape Crisis Center (DCRCC) @DCRapeCrisis]

Our President and CEO Dr @IndyDCRCC spoke at the @OVSJG_DC Budget Hearing. An excerpt from her testimony below: “What I know without a doubt is this, when power silences the most vulnerable, the Access to Justice Initiative speaks for them.” @DCBarFoundation @DCATJComm

[Nathaniel Peck @aCCsocialworker]

Losing this funding would be devastating to people that have few resources. I've sat in these courtrooms and attorney's offices. I've seen how people are defenseless in court from those who are wealthy and powerful, unless they have legal representation.

[DC Access to Justice Commission @DCATJComm]

The testimony today emphasizes how access to legal help advances public safety. See our fact sheet on the subject. @cmbrookepinto @dcbarfoundation

[DC Access to Justice Commission @DCATJComm]

The ATJ Initiative is much more than its grantees. Organizations partner with 180+ other D.C. agencies and community orgs across all 8 Wards. @ovsjg_dc @cmbrookepinto @dcbarfoundation

[DC Bar Foundation @DCBarFoundation]

Access to Justice Initiative funding is essential for District residents.

@chmnmendelson @anitabondsdc @robertwhite_dc @CMCHenderson @CMnadeauOffice @CMBrookePinto @CMFrumin @CMLewisGeorgeW4 @CMZParker5 @CMcharlesallen @CMWendellFelder @cmdonicrawford @dccouncilbudget

[Legal Aid DC @LegalAidDC]

We’re at the DC Council today ready to testify about the importance of #AccessToJustice funding in the next #DCBudget! Join us and send an email to the Council today: https://t.co/Q7EEqJZmJq

[KIND @supportKIND]

KIND is proud to testify today @councilofdc about why investing in the Access to Justice Initiative is essential. This is a unique program that works and sets DC apart in its commitment to access to justice. #dcciviljustice

[DC Access to Justice Commission @DCATJComm]

Here is the Commission's testimony today about the existential threat presented by the proposed reduction in Access to Justice Initiative funding: https://t.co/umw2Dr4hrM

[DC Access to Justice Commission @DCATJComm]

We are grateful for the 130+ witnesses who are signed up to testify today about the value of civil legal help and victims services. Speaks to the devastating consequences of proposed cuts. The hallway is packed!!

[DC Bar Foundation @DCBarFoundation]

No more calling around. No more explaining stressful challenges over and over. Now, one call is changing the way DC residents get free or low-cost legal help. With compassion & care, the DC Resource Bridge has already helped 1,000 callers.

Learn more: https://t.co/DlPcoK7QqU

[DC Access to Justice Commission @DCATJComm]

We appreciate @OVSJG_DC Director Porter talking about the importance of investing in legal services and in advancing justice in DC.

[DC Access to Justice Commission @DCATJComm]

It was inspiring to hear today about how @OVSJG_DC, @DCBarFoundation, the VAN, and the ATJ Initiative complement one another and work together to collectively do more to support District residents - government cannot do it alone.

[DC Access to Justice Commission @DCATJComm]

We are glad to be here at @councilofdc with @CMBrookePinto talking about access to justice -- and appreciate her team's focus on the safety and well-being of DC residents. #OVSJGoversightday

[DC Access to Justice Commission @DCATJComm]

Proud to testify alongside @dcbarfoundation about the impact of the Access to Justice Initiative and its important role in strategically guiding the program as grant administrator in partnership with @OVSJG_DC. cc: @CMBrookePinto

[Catholic Charities DC @CCADW]

We’re honored to share that Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington is one of 38 organizations selected to receive funding as part of the DC Bar Foundation’s investment in civil legal assistance across the District.