The District of Columbia Bar Foundation
The District of Columbia Bar Foundation is a public charity based in Washington, DC, established in 1977. It funds and supports organizations providing free civil legal services to low-income and otherwise underserved District residents, and administers the District’s IOLTA program.
Key facts about The District of Columbia Bar Foundation
In short: The District of Columbia Bar Foundation gave $31.5M across 70 grants in 2025 (avg $450K), mostly in District of Columbia. 8% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 52-1109547
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $31,510,724
- Grants made (2025)
- 70
- Average grant
- $450,153
- Median grant
- $151,824
- New grantees (estimate)
- 8% first-time grantees (3 of 36, 2025)
- Total assets
- $36,473,218
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- Apply through the Foundation’s online grants management system. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- The annual grant-program information lists a late-August application deadline.
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$36.5M
+23.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$31.5M
+20.8% YoY
Grant Count
70
+1.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$450K
+19.1% YoY
Is The District of Columbia Bar Foundation open to new grantees?
8%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 3 of 36 grantees (8%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $90K; repeat grants $947K. How we count
Medians: $75K first-time, $318K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to fund, support, and improve legal representation for people who are financially disenfranchised or otherwise underserved in the District of Columbia. Its grant programs are General Support, Access to Justice (ATJ), and Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP).
General Support grants provide unrestricted operating funds, including support for costs such as rent and client record databases. ATJ grants support legal assistance in underserved areas, housing-related matters, and a shared legal services interpreter bank. CLCPP grants support legal services for low-income tenants in covered housing matters, including eviction-related proceedings.
The Foundation awards grants to DC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide free civil legal aid to DC residents with low incomes. Supported organizations include Bread for the City, whose mission includes providing food, clothing, medical care, legal and social services, and pursuing justice through community organizing and public advocacy. Ayuda describes its work as advocating for low-income immigrants through direct legal, social, and language services, training, and outreach. Legal Counsel for the Elderly says it provides free legal and social services to defend, protect, and empower low-income DC residents aged 60 and older.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation reported 69 grants totaling $26,089,486. Grant amounts ranged from $10,000 to $2,693,764, with a median of $99,000. All reported 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in DC.
Among the largest reported awards were $2,693,764 and $2,647,564 to Legal Aid Society of DC for ATJ and CLCPP grants, respectively; $2,200,028 to Neighborhood Legal Services Program for ATJ grants; and $1,267,508 to Bread for the City for ATJ grants. Other large awards included $1,140,478 to Neighborhood Legal Services Program for CLCPP grants and $1,063,145 to Rising for Justice for ATJ grants.
The Foundation’s grant information describes annual application cycles, with applications opening in August, deadlines in late August, and awards announced in mid-December. Applicants use the online grants management system and are directed to review the program overview and instructions before applying. Applications include program and financial information and proposed budgets. The Foundation describes reviewing applications against eligibility criteria, conducting applicant visits and interviews, and evaluating applicants’ financial materials. Its monitoring includes written programmatic and financial reports, as well as on-site visits and financial evaluations.
Review Cycle
The annual grant-program information lists a late-August application deadline.
How to Apply
Apply through the Foundation’s online grants management system. Applicants can submit separate applications for multiple grants and should consult the instructions and sample materials for the relevant program.
Open Grants
8 open opportunities from The District of Columbia Bar Foundation
Access to Justice (ATJ) Grants Program
The District of Columbia Bar Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Access to Justice Initiative - Access to Justice Program
The District of Columbia Bar Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP)
The District of Columbia Bar Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to take the next step with The District of Columbia Bar Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s grant programs support DC-based organizations serving residents of the District of Columbia. All reported 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in DC.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 70 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $10.6M (2020) to $31.5M (2025). In 2025 it made 70 grants totaling $31.5M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Legal Aid Society of DC ($6.9M across 4 grants). Together the top 10 received $24.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
336 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 103 grants of 336 (31%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Aid Society of DC Washington, DC | FY25 ATJ Grants | $3,185,451 |
| Legal Aid Society of DC Washington, DC | FY25 CLCPP Grants | $2,912,320 |
| Neighborhood Legal Services Program Washington, DC | FY25 ATJ Grants | $2,357,947 |
| Bread for the City Washington, DC | FY25 ATJ Grants | $1,526,014 |
| Rising for Justice Inc Washington, DC | FY25 CLCPP Grants | $1,467,878 |
| District of Columbia Bar Pro Bono Center Washington, DC | FY25 ATJ Grants | $1,310,129 |
| Neighborhood Legal Services Program Washington, DC | FY25 CLCPP Grants | $1,250,686 |
| District of Columbia Bar Pro Bono Center Washington, DC | FY25 CLCPP Grants | $1,131,745 |
| Legal Counsel for the Elderly Washington, DC | FY25 CLCPP Grants | $1,097,776 |
| DC Volunteer Lawyers Project Washington, DC | FY25 ATJ Grants | $1,081,636 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $29,607,013 | $42,327,703 | $31,160,834 | $26,089,486 |
| 2023 | $13,921,702 | $37,014,911 | $30,938,109 | $26,330,523 |
| 2022 | $5,411,709 | $23,222,286 | $22,748,986 | $19,891,138 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $36,473,218 | $29,607,013 | $13,921,702 |
| Revenue | $44,499,655 | $42,327,703 | $37,014,911 |
| Expenses | $37,100,654 | $31,160,834 | $30,938,109 |
| Net Investment Income | $842,209 | $361,321 | $5,165 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 4, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS June 28, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS March 26, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS August 14, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 1, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Benjamin F. Wilson as president, Ronald S. Flagg as secretary, and Wayne T. Gibson as treasurer. It lists Danielle M. Reyes, Meredith Fuchs, Angela C. Montez, Gail Makode, Jehan A. Patterson, Jaya Saxena, and Melissa Weberman as board members.
The District of Columbia Bar Foundation is led by Kirra Jarratt, Chief Executive Officer on every filing since 2020; 5 of 20 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Kirra Jarratt
Chief Executive Officer
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$196K (2020) → $429K (2025)
Benjamin F. Wilson
President
Board Member → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → President, 2024
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jesse Daryl Byler
Director of Development
Development Director → Director of Development, 2021
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$109K (2020) → $186K (2025)
Aracelis Gray
Director of Program
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$186K (2024) → $212K (2025)
Farid Forozi
Director of Evaluation & Innovation
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$175K (2025)
Stephanie K. Shain
Chief of Staff
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$133K (2023) → $242K (2025)
Wayne T. Gibson
Board Member
Assistant Treasurer → Treasurer, 2022
Treasurer → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ronald S. Flagg
Vice President
Board Member → Secretary, 2024
Secretary → Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Meredith Fuchs
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tab Stewart
Board Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Angels C. Montez
Board Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Melissa Weberman
Board Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gail Makode
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jaya Saxena
Board Member
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jehan A. Patterson
Board Member
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kenyattah Robinson
Board Member
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Adam Pollett
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kim Leblanc-Ross
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Liz Oyer
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lori Parris
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (16)
- Former: Danielle M. Reyes (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: John P. Relman (2020–2024) — Immediate Past President
- Former: Khesia T. Taylor (2024) — Senior Communications Officer
- Former: Anne Wallestad (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Kelly Veney Darnell (2020–2022) — President
- Former: Nathalie F. P. Gilfoyle (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Philip W. Horton (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Vernetta Walker (2022) — Board Member
- Former: David W. Ogden (2020–2021) — President
- Former: Karen A. Lash (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Mark E. Herzog (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Connie N. Bertram (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Bruce V. Spiva (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Ellen M. Jakovic (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Imoni M. Washington (2020) — Director of Programs
- Former: Paul M. Smith (2020) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $429K, to Kirra Jarratt (Chief Executive Officer). 5 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 200 Massachusetts Ave Nw, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 467-3750
Website: https://dcbarfoundation.org
Frequently asked questions about The District of Columbia Bar Foundation
How much does The District of Columbia Bar Foundation give each year?
The District of Columbia Bar Foundation gave $31.5M across 70 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $26.1M across 69 grants.
What is The District of Columbia Bar Foundation's typical grant size?
The District of Columbia Bar Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $151,824, and its average grant was $450,153, across 70 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The District of Columbia Bar Foundation that year got $90K on average.
Where does The District of Columbia Bar Foundation give grants?
The District of Columbia Bar Foundation gives mostly in District of Columbia: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (70 grants).
Does The District of Columbia Bar Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 70 grants with a stated purpose on The District of Columbia Bar Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "FY25 Private Grants Program" (32 grants), "FY25 ATJ Grants" (30 grants) and "FY25 CLCPP Grants" (7 grants).
Who are The District of Columbia Bar Foundation's largest grantees?
The District of Columbia Bar Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Legal Aid Society of DC ($6,929,196 across 4 grants), Neighborhood Legal Services Program ($3,731,513 across 3 grants) and Bread for the City ($2,548,324 across 3 grants), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 42% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The District of Columbia Bar Foundation?
The District of Columbia Bar Foundation reported $36.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $44.5M.
What does The District of Columbia Bar Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to fund, support, and improve legal representation for people who are financially disenfranchised or otherwise underserved in the District of Columbia. Its grant programs are General Support, Access to Justice (ATJ), and Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program (CLCPP). See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The District of Columbia Bar Foundation?
Apply through the Foundation’s online grants management system. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The District of Columbia Bar Foundation's EIN?
The District of Columbia Bar Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-1109547. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The District of Columbia Bar Foundation by hand.
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