National Legal Aid and Defender Association
National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA) is a Washington, DC-based public charity that supports and promotes high-quality civil legal aid and public defense services. It works with a national network of advocates and providers through advocacy, guidance, training, and technical assistance.
Key facts about National Legal Aid and Defender Association
In short: National Legal Aid and Defender Association gave $1.2M across 28 grants in 2024 (avg $45K), top state California. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 36-2337880
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,249,906
- Grants made (2024)
- 28
- Average grant
- $44,640
- Median grant
- $41,718
- Total assets
- $3,633,766
- Primary geography
- California (11% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$3.6M
-10.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.2M
+12399.1% YoY
Grant Count
28
+2700.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$45K
+346.4% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
NLADA’s stated mission is to promote and develop high-quality, effective civil legal aid and public defense services. It supports existing service networks and encourages the formation of new organizations that provide free legal assistance to people with low incomes.
Its work includes public defense system improvement, civil legal aid advocacy, training and conferences, technical assistance, and research. In 2024, its filing described special projects funded by restricted grants, including civil legal aid outreach, education and training, and initiatives to improve public defense systems.
The 2024 grants included support for organizations with varied civil legal aid missions. For example, 603 Legal Aid says it provides free civil legal services to people facing New Hampshire legal issues, while Bay Area Legal Aid says it serves low-income Bay Area residents facing legal barriers involving housing, health care, personal safety, and financial stability. Regional Housing Legal Services describes its work as helping communities create and protect safe, affordable homes through legal representation, partnership, and policy advocacy.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, NLADA reported 28 grants totaling $1,249,906. Grants ranged from $25,604 to $72,086, with a median of $41,718. The filing describes the listed grants as supporting the National Telephone Abuse Prevention Project (NTAPP), which funds consumer-protection work at legal services programs, including client representation in eligible matters, community education, and attorney professional development.
The largest reported grants included $72,086 to 603 Legal Aid in Concord, New Hampshire; $70,905 to Bay Area Legal Aid in Oakland, California; $66,641 to Regional Housing Legal Services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; $59,087 to Tulalip Foundation in Tulalip, Washington; and $57,201 to Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Other reported recipients included Legal Aid of Western Missouri ($53,769), CAMBA Legal Services ($52,962), Prairie State Legal Services ($49,315), North Carolina Justice Center ($48,497), Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky ($46,775), Indiana Legal Services ($45,300), and Idaho Legal Aid Services ($45,080).
Ready to take the next step with National Legal Aid and Defender Association?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 grant-dollar distribution included California (11%), Pennsylvania (9%), New York (7%), New Hampshire (6%), and Washington (5%). The reported NTAPP grants supported legal services programs in multiple states.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 28 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2022 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $10K (2023) to $1.2M (2024). In 2024 it made 28 grants totaling $1.2M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was 603 Legal Aid ($72K). Together the top 10 received $577K.
Grant Size Distribution
31 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 22 grants of 31 (71%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 603 Legal Aid Concord, NH | Nlada received funding for the national telephone abuse prevention project (NTAPP) from a cy pres award in krakauer (o/b/o a class of persons) v. Dish network, llc. NTAPP supports consumer protection work at legal services programs across the united states, specifically client representation in eligible matters, community education, and attorney professional development through training and resources from the national consumer law center (NCLC). NTAPP includes nlada as the funder and convener, along with selected legal services programs that will provide direct services, community education and advocacy. | $72,086 |
| Bay Area Legal Aid Oakland, CA | Nlada received funding for the national telephone abuse prevention project (NTAPP) from a cy pres award in krakauer (o/b/o a class of persons) v. Dish network, llc. NTAPP supports consumer protection work at legal services programs across the united states, specifically client representation in eligible matters, community education, and attorney professional development through training and resources from the national consumer law center (NCLC). NTAPP includes nlada as the funder and convener, along with selected legal services programs that will provide direct services, community education and advocacy. | $70,905 |
| Regional Housing Legal Services Philadelphia, PA | Nlada received funding for the national telephone abuse prevention project (NTAPP) from a cy pres award in krakauer (o/b/o a class of persons) v. Dish network, llc. NTAPP supports consumer protection work at legal services programs across the united states, specifically client representation in eligible matters, community education, and attorney professional development through training and resources from the national consumer law center (NCLC). NTAPP includes nlada as the funder and convener, along with selected legal services programs that will provide direct services, community education and advocacy. | $66,641 |
| Tulalip Foundation Tulalip, WA | Nlada received funding for the national telephone abuse prevention project (NTAPP) from a cy pres award in krakauer (o/b/o a class of persons) v. Dish network, llc. NTAPP supports consumer protection work at legal services programs across the united states, specifically client representation in eligible matters, community education, and attorney professional development through training and resources from the national consumer law center (NCLC). NTAPP includes nlada as the funder and convener, along with selected legal services programs that will provide direct services, community education and advocacy. | $59,087 |
| Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance Incorporated Minneapolis, MN | Nlada received funding for the national telephone abuse prevention project (NTAPP) from a cy pres award in krakauer (o/b/o a class of persons) v. Dish network, llc. NTAPP supports consumer protection work at legal services programs across the united states, specifically client representation in eligible matters, community education, and attorney professional development through training and resources from the national consumer law center (NCLC). NTAPP includes nlada as the funder and convener, along with selected legal services programs that will provide direct services, community education and advocacy. | $57,201 |
| Legal Aid of Western Missouri Kansa City, MO | Nlada received funding for the national telephone abuse prevention project (NTAPP) from a cy pres award in krakauer (o/b/o a class of persons) v. Dish network, llc. NTAPP supports consumer protection work at legal services programs across the united states, specifically client representation in eligible matters, community education, and attorney professional development through training and resources from the national consumer law center (NCLC). NTAPP includes nlada as the funder and convener, along with selected legal services programs that will provide direct services, community education and advocacy. | $53,769 |
| Camba Legal Services Inc Brooklyn, NY | Nlada received funding for the national telephone abuse prevention project (NTAPP) from a cy pres award in krakauer (o/b/o a class of persons) v. Dish network, llc. NTAPP supports consumer protection work at legal services programs across the united states, specifically client representation in eligible matters, community education, and attorney professional development through training and resources from the national consumer law center (NCLC). NTAPP includes nlada as the funder and convener, along with selected legal services programs that will provide direct services, community education and advocacy. | $52,962 |
| Prairie State Legal Services Inc Rockford, IL | Nlada received funding for the national telephone abuse prevention project (NTAPP) from a cy pres award in krakauer (o/b/o a class of persons) v. Dish network, llc. NTAPP supports consumer protection work at legal services programs across the united states, specifically client representation in eligible matters, community education, and attorney professional development through training and resources from the national consumer law center (NCLC). NTAPP includes nlada as the funder and convener, along with selected legal services programs that will provide direct services, community education and advocacy. | $49,315 |
| North Carolina Justice Center Raleigh, NC | Nlada received funding for the national telephone abuse prevention project (NTAPP) from a cy pres award in krakauer (o/b/o a class of persons) v. Dish network, llc. NTAPP supports consumer protection work at legal services programs across the united states, specifically client representation in eligible matters, community education, and attorney professional development through training and resources from the national consumer law center (NCLC). NTAPP includes nlada as the funder and convener, along with selected legal services programs that will provide direct services, community education and advocacy. | $48,497 |
| Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky Prestonburg, KY | Nlada received funding for the national telephone abuse prevention project (NTAPP) from a cy pres award in krakauer (o/b/o a class of persons) v. Dish network, llc. NTAPP supports consumer protection work at legal services programs across the united states, specifically client representation in eligible matters, community education, and attorney professional development through training and resources from the national consumer law center (NCLC). NTAPP includes nlada as the funder and convener, along with selected legal services programs that will provide direct services, community education and advocacy. | $46,775 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3,633,766 | $8,098,007 | $8,386,936 | $1,249,906 (28) |
| 2023 | $4,067,216 | $6,090,328 | $7,194,285 | $10,000 (1) |
| 2022 | $5,780,457 | $5,259,729 | $5,971,596 | $135,000 (2) |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $3,633,766 | $4,067,216 | $5,780,457 |
| Revenue | $8,098,007 | $6,090,328 | $5,259,729 |
| Expenses | $8,386,936 | $7,194,285 | $5,971,596 |
| Net Investment Income | $26,293 | $28,234 | $6,042 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 23, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 28, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists April Camara Frazier as President and CEO and Jo-Ann Wallace as a director. Other listed officers and directors include Alison Bloomquist, Maria Soto, Aileen Moffatt, Radhika Singh, Rabiah Burks, Patricia Foxen, Yvette Hatcher, and Christopher Buerger.
National Legal Aid and Defender Association is led by April Camara Frazier, President & CEO since 2022 (on filings since 2020); 11 of 31 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
April Camara Frazier
President & CEO
Director & Defender → Director -, 2021
Director - → President & CEO, 2022
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$117K (2020) → $250K (2024)
Maria Thomas-Jones
Chairperson -
Vice Chairperson - → Vice Chairperson, 2023
Vice Chairperson → Chairperson -, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rhodia D. Thomas Immed Past
Chair -
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jo-Ann Wallace
Director
President & CEO → President & CEO -, 2021
President & CEO - → Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$222K (2020) → $0 (2024)
Yvette Hatcher
Director & Finance
Deputy Director of Finance → Director & Finance, 2022
On filings since 2021
37.5 hrs/week
$101K (2021) → $128K (2024)
Justin Heim
Director & Learning Innovation
New on the 2024 filing
37.5 hrs/week
$108K (2024)
Patricia Foxen
Director & Community Research
New on the 2024 filing
37.5 hrs/week
$138K (2024)
Jack Londen
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Schultz
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lillian O. Johnson
Director -
Director - → Director, 2023
Director → Director -, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Chosy
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Liza Merrill
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Soummer Crawford
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Aisha McWeary
Director -
Director → Director -, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Angela Ciolfi
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eddie Ellis
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jodi Metz
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kelli Neptune
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Preston Pugh
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Clarissa Gaff
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Aileen Moffatt
Vice President of External Relations
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$167K (2020) → $173K (2024)
Maria Soto
Senior Vice President of Operations & Secretary
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$172K (2020) → $181K (2024)
Radhika Singh
Vice President & Civil Legal Aid Initiatives
Director & Civil Legal Aid Initatives → Vice President & Civil Legal Aid Initiatives, 2022
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$126K (2020) → $167K (2024)
Alison Bloomquist
Vice President & Dls
On filings since 2022
37.5 hrs/week
$169K (2022) → $178K (2024)
Rabiah Burks
Vice President & Communications
On filings since 2022
37.5 hrs/week
$126K (2022) → $151K (2024)
Christopher Buerger
Chief Counsel & Civil
On filings since 2023
37.5 hrs/week
$113K (2023) → $117K (2024)
Michael Mrozinski Director
Community-Focused Initiat. & Policy
New on the 2024 filing
37.5 hrs/week
$106K (2024)
Ronald Simpson-Bey
Treasurer
Director → Director -, 2022
Director - → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rosita Stanley
Vice Chairperson
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stan German
Immediate Past Chair -
Director → Chairperson, 2023
Chairperson → Immediate Past Chair -, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tina Luongo
Vice Chairperson
Director → Vice Chairperson, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (23)
- Former: Aaron Sontz (2020–2023) — Director -
- Former: Nalani Fujimori Kaina (2020–2023) — Director -
- Former: Rhodia D. Thomas (2020–2023) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Cherise Burdeen (2022–2023) — Vice President & Mission Support
- Former: Keri Nash (2022–2023) — Director & Racial Equity
- Former: David Miller (2023) — Director & Policy
- Former: Alison Paul (2020–2022) — Treasurer -
- Former: Clinton Lyons (2020–2022) — Former Director
- Former: Keir Bradford-Grey (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Kirby Mitchell (2020–2022) — Director -
- Former: Marea Beeman (2020–2022) — Director & Research -
- Former: Max Laun (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Kelli Thompson Immed Past (2022) — Chair -
- Former: Rhodia D. Thomas Chairperson - (2022)
- Former: Stan German Vice Chairperson - (2022)
- Former: Kelli Thompson (2020–2021) — Immediate Past Chairperson
- Former: Rosalie Joy (2020–2021) — Vice President of Dls -
- Former: Sharon Singh (2020–2021) — Director & Communications -
- Former: Shawntelle Fisher (2020–2021) — Director -
- Former: Walter Sisson (2020–2021) — Finance Director -
- Former: Don Saunders (2020) — Vice President of Cls
- Former: Gwen Hanley-Pamplin (2020) — Director -
- Former: Regina Kelly (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $250K, to April Camara Frazier (President and CEO). 11 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue Nw 500, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202) 452-0620
Website: https://nlada.org
Frequently asked questions about National Legal Aid and Defender Association
How much does National Legal Aid and Defender Association give each year?
National Legal Aid and Defender Association gave $1.2M across 28 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $10K across 1 grant.
What is National Legal Aid and Defender Association's typical grant size?
National Legal Aid and Defender Association's median grant in 2024 was $41,718, and its average grant was $44,640, across 28 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does National Legal Aid and Defender Association give grants?
National Legal Aid and Defender Association's top state is California, with 11% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Pennsylvania (9%) and New York (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Philadelphia, PA (2 grants).
Does National Legal Aid and Defender Association give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 28 grants with a stated purpose on National Legal Aid and Defender Association's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are National Legal Aid and Defender Association's largest grantees?
National Legal Aid and Defender Association's largest 2024 grantees include 603 Legal Aid ($72,086), Bay Area Legal Aid ($70,905) and Regional Housing Legal Services ($66,641), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 17% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is National Legal Aid and Defender Association?
National Legal Aid and Defender Association reported $3.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $8.1M.
What does National Legal Aid and Defender Association fund?
NLADA’s stated mission is to promote and develop high-quality, effective civil legal aid and public defense services. It supports existing service networks and encourages the formation of new organizations that provide free legal assistance to people with low incomes. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from National Legal Aid and Defender Association?
National Legal Aid and Defender Association has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check nlada.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is National Legal Aid and Defender Association's EIN?
National Legal Aid and Defender Association's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-2337880. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching National Legal Aid and Defender Association by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in National Legal Aid and Defender Association's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Legal Services Corporation
Washington, DC
The Legal Services Corporation funds civil legal aid for low-income people, along with related technology, pro bono, disaster-response, and veterans’ legal services. Its 2025 grants had a median of about $3 million and supported organizations across all 50 states, Washington, DC, and U.S. territories; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$208.1M
Grants
132
Total Given
$544.9M
Equal Justice Works
Washington, DC
Equal Justice Works funds public-interest legal fellowships and related programs that help address unmet legal needs among underserved communities, including in areas such as housing, immigration, and disability rights. Its 2025 grants ranged from $7,000 to $251,877, with a median of $59,000, and supported work across the United States; applications are made through specific fellowship programs, but general unsolicited requests are not addressed in the profile.
Assets
$41.0M
Grants
201
Total Given
$12.5M
National Health Law Program Inc
Los Angeles, CA
NHeLP funds state-based legal advocacy organizations working to protect health care and civil rights for low-income and underserved communities, including work on Medicaid, reproductive health, disability rights, and language access. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,500 to $143,000, with a median of $42,500, supporting work in 24 states and Puerto Rico. It does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests or provide an application process.
Assets
$27.9M
Grants
28
Total Given
$1.2M
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
The Skadden Foundation
White Plains, NY
The Skadden Foundation primarily funds two-year fellowships for law graduates and clerks to provide civil legal services to people in need, along with $15,000 Flom Incubator Grants for former Fellows’ public-interest legal projects. Its 2024 grants had a median of $39,802, with funding distributed nationwide and the largest share going to New York. The fellowship application is currently closed; the profile does not state whether the Foundation accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$11.2M
Grants
106
Total Given
$5.1M
Otto Bremer Trust
St. Paul, MN
The Otto Bremer Trust funds organizations and projects addressing community needs and opportunities, including health care and social services, in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. In 2025, grants ranged from $3,500 to $4.2 million, with a median of $150,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests or direct grant applications; Community Responsive Fund grants are offered through selected intermediaries.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
180
Total Given
$57.2M
NCRC Community Development Fund Inc
Washington, DC
NCRC Community Development Fund supports affordable housing and homeownership, small businesses—especially minority-owned, women-owned, and low-income businesses—and certain nonprofit programs that provide capital or services to underserved communities. Its listed awards range from $5,000 to $50,000, though typical giving is not stated; it serves communities across the U.S., with some programs focused on Illinois. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$55.6M
Grants
2,666
Total Given
$149.3M
Greater Washington Community Foundation
Washington, DC
The Greater Washington Community Foundation supports nonprofits working across areas such as economic opportunity, education, health, arts, and human services, with an emphasis on equity and economic justice. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,000, and it generally funds organizations serving DC, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and specified Northern Virginia communities; it offers scheduled open competitive grant rounds as well as invite-only opportunities.
Assets
$518.3M
Grants
1,417
Total Given
$116.9M
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Washington, DC
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation makes competitive grants for science-based projects that conserve or restore fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats; it does not fund advocacy or litigation. Its 2025 grants had a median of about $106,500, and it supports projects across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Applications are competitive and program-specific; whether pre-proposals are required varies by program.
Assets
$3.6B
Grants
1,286
Total Given
$464.4M
AARP
Washington, DC
AARP funds nonprofits and other organizations working on aging-related issues, including caregiving, health, research, education, and community programs. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $15,000, with amounts ranging widely, and it supports work through offices across the states and territories; whether AARP accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$13.1B
Grants
688
Total Given
$35.8M
More Funders in District of Columbia
National Legal Aid and Defender Association down — hundreds of funders to go?