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.
National Legal Aid and Defender Association at a glance
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.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,249,906
- +12399.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 28
- +2700.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $44,640
- +346.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $41,718
- Total assets
- $3,633,766
- -10.7% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- California (11% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
How to apply to National Legal Aid and Defender Association
- Contact
Mailing address: 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue Nw 500, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202) 452-0620
Website: https://nlada.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who National Legal Aid and Defender Association funds
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%).
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 History
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.
Grants by year
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 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3,633,766 | $8,098,007 | $8,386,936 | $1,249,906 | 28 | $26,293 |
| 2023 | $4,067,216 | $6,090,328 | $7,194,285 | $10,000 | 1 | $28,234 |
| 2022 | $5,780,457 | $5,259,729 | $5,971,596 | $135,000 | 2 | $6,042 |
| 2021 | $5,969,911 | $7,773,553 | $5,142,425 | — | — | $377 |
| 2020 | $3,225,640 | $5,032,741 | $5,006,581 | — | — | $951 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
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).
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.
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.
Data update history
(4)
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
Live grants for the work National Legal Aid and Defender Association funds
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). National Legal Aid and Defender Association funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/national-legal-aid-and-defender-association-morg_5b322ff473ff4b18ae7c77da56858ff5
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_362337880_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{National Legal Aid and Defender Association funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/national-legal-aid-and-defender-association-morg_5b322ff473ff4b18ae7c77da56858ff5},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-24. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from National Legal Aid and Defender Association's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
National Legal Aid and Defender Association down — hundreds of funders to go?