General Support Grants (DC Legal Services Grants Program)

The DC Bar Foundation, a leading funder of legal aid in Washington, D.C., has been providing General Support Grants since 1978 to enhance access to justice for low-income residents. With over $34 million allocated, these grants offer unrestricted funding to cover essential operational costs for legal aid organizations. The Foundation's commitment ensures that vital legal services remain available to those in need, supporting a diverse range of community legal aid initiatives.

About the DC Bar Foundation
Since its inception in 1977, the DC Bar Foundation (DCBF) has invested more than $200 million into DC’s legal aid network to ensure every District resident, regardless of income, has access to justice. The Foundation makes strategic investments in legal aid providers and the critical issues facing District residents to strengthen and expand our civil legal aid network and improve our community. As the leading funder of civil legal aid in the District, the Foundation is a steadfast community partner, committed to protecting access to justice in life’s most pivotal moments.
In addition to our grant programs, the Foundation administers loan repayment assistance programs for attorneys working at DC legal aid organizations and provides training and technical assistance to these organizations.
Formal name: DC Legal Services Grants ProgramAwarded annually since 1978Source of funding: private contributions and IOLTA revenueGrant year: January 1 to December 31
The DC Legal Services Grants Program (General Support grants), which began in 1978, the year after DCBF was founded, has provided over $34 million in critical operating support to DC legal aid providers. General Support grants provide unrestricted funds to help cover overhead costs, such as rent and client record databases, which are not always covered by other grants these organizations receive. These grants are funded by private contributions and revenue received through the IOLTA program.