The Virginia Law Foundation is thrilled to award $753,000 in grants to 34 organizations this year. Since launching our grants program in 1984, we have allocated more than $30 million to support initiatives and nonprofits across Virginia. These grants advance our mission to uphold the Rule of Law, expand access to justice, and enhance law-related education. Learn more about our 2026 grant recipients below.
BLUE RIDGE CASA FOR CHILDREN — Strengthening Court-Appointed Advocacy for Children in the Shenandoah Valley — $15,000
Blue Ridge CASA is expanding court-appointed advocacy for children in foster care across the Shenandoah Valley by recruiting and training additional CASA volunteers, particularly in underserved rural communities. The organization will provide trained Court Appointed Special Advocates for at least 150 children. Appointed by Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court judges, CASA volunteers conduct independent investigations and submit objective reports that ensure each child’s needs, circumstances, and best interests are represented in decisions about safety, services, and permanent placement.
BLUE RIDGE LEGAL SERVICES — Free Civil Legal Assistance for Low-Income Seniors — $25,000
Blue Ridge Legal Services dedicates itself to eliminating poverty-based inequities in the civil justice system by providing high-quality legal advice and representation to low-income residents of the Shenandoah and Roanoke Valleys. This project will provide free legal assistance in the form of legal information, legal advice and brief services, and direct representation to low-income seniors in the Central Shenandoah Valley, namely, the counties of Rockingham, Augusta, Page, Highland, and the cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro. The project will target seniors with critical legal needs, with a special focus on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases.
CAMINO VIRGINIA — Charlottesville-Albemarle Volunteer Lawyer Program — $25,000
Camino Virginia provides coordinated pro bono legal services and community support through a network of volunteer attorneys and service provider partners serving the Charlottesville and Albemarle region. Working with legal aid organizations, the Charlottesville-Albemarle Bar Association, and community partners, Camino coordinates pro bono representation for matters including housing, protective orders, guardianships, consumer issues, and small business needs. By leveraging a strong network of volunteer attorneys, the program helps ensure more community members receive high-quality legal assistance beyond the capacity of existing legal aid providers.
CANCERLINC — Access to Justice for Latino and Spanish-Speaking Cancer Patients in Central & Southside Virginia — $15,000
Now in its 30th year, CancerLINC expands access to justice for low-income cancer patients by addressing the legal and financial challenges that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. This grant will support culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach, intake, and navigation services for Latino and Spanish-speaking cancer patients in Central and Southside Virginia through a dedicated bilingual client services associate. By strengthening partnerships with Latino-serving organizations, CancerLINC aims to increase access to pro bono legal and financial resources for an estimated 55–70 patients and their family members.
CENTRAL VIRGINIA LEGAL AID SOCIETY — Academic Medical Legal Partnership — $40,000
Central Virginia Legal Aid Society (CVLAS) provides legal representation and preventative community legal education to low-income and elderly clients in civil law cases at no charge, aiding vulnerable residents with legal issues relating to consumer, domestic violence, employment, elder care, family, health, housing, and public benefits throughout Central Virginia. This year’s grant will help sustain and expand the existing Academic Medical Legal Partnership (A-MLP) with VCU’s Health Hub. This partnership increases access to justice for low-income persons in the Church Hill community through health equity-focused legal interventions, expanded on-demand attorney access, and community education about legal issues, resources, and rights.
CHILDREN’S TRUST FOUNDATION ROANOKE VALLEY — CASA Support in Roanoke Valley — $5,000
Children’s Trust is dedicated to preventing and reducing the occurrence and trauma of child abuse and neglect. With Roanoke City continuing to have one of the highest numbers of children in foster care in Virginia, funding from this grant will strengthen recruitment, training, and retention efforts for CASA volunteers. The grant will support at least two additional trainings for new volunteers, helping ensure more children receive consistent, well-trained advocacy and stronger support as they navigate the child welfare and court systems.
DRIVE TO WORK — Driver’s License Restoration — $10,000
Drive-To-Work assists low-income and previously incarcerated Virginians to restore their driving privileges so they can work and support their families. The organization provides affordable legal assistance to remove barriers preventing clients from regaining their licenses. This grant will subsidize legal costs, expanding representation for underserved individuals. By helping clients return to the workforce, Drive To Work promotes economic stability, reduces recidivism, and strengthens communities.
FAIRFAX CASA — Advocacy for Abused Children in the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court — $15,000
Through the promotion and support of quality volunteer representation, Fairfax CASA advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children referred by the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. With a shortage of GALs and continued high case volume, CASAs provide consistent support, case monitoring, and vital information to the court. Funding from the Virginia Law Foundation will help Fairfax CASA serve more children, reduce barriers to advocacy, and ensure youth have access to dedicated support as they pursue safe, permanent homes.
FAIRFAX LAW FOUNDATION — Northern Virginia Pro Bono Law Center Neighborhood Outreach Program — $25,000
The Northern Virginia Pro Bono Law Center of the Fairfax Law Foundation provides free civil legal assistance to low-income and underserved residents through its Neighborhood Outreach Program. Volunteer attorneys meet with clients throughout Fairfax County to provide legal advice, analysis, and referrals on civil legal matters. Through partnerships with community organizations, the program expands access to justice by connecting pro bono services with residents who might otherwise face barriers to obtaining legal assistance.
FOUNDATION FOR SCALIA LAW — Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic — $15,000
The Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (M-VETS) at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University provides free legal representation to servicemembers, veterans, and their families. M-VETS helps clients secure Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation, health care, and other critical benefits. Grant funding will support program faculty and expert medical opinions to strengthen client representation, enabling the Clinic to serve at least 56 Virginia veterans and servicemembers while providing approximately 10 law students with 750 hours of supervised pro bono legal experience.
FREEKIND — Expanding Access to Justice for Victims of Trafficking — $25,000
Freekind works to prevent human trafficking and support survivors on their journey to freedom. Building on last year’s success, this grant will enable Freekind to expand the Offramps program to an additional Virginia jail, increasing access to restorative services for criminalized trafficking survivors by training at least 150 court and jail personnel to recognize victims and connect them with appropriate support. Funding will also support the statewide launch of the Juvenile Justice Edition of The Prevention Project™, equipping juvenile justice centers with trafficking prevention curriculum tailored to justice-involved youth.
GREATER RICHMOND BAR FOUNDATION — Pro Bono Virginia — $50,000
The Greater Richmond Bar Foundation, in collaboration with the Virginia Law Foundation, the Virginia State Bar, and the Supreme Court of Virginia’s Access to Justice Commission, is advancing Pro Bono Virginia, a statewide initiative to strengthen and sustain pro bono legal services. This grant will support the development of permanent statewide infrastructure, including the Pro Bono Academy to prepare service-ready volunteer attorneys, enhancements to the Pro Bono Personality quiz, and expansion of the statewide Paladin portal connecting attorneys with pro bono opportunities. Together, these efforts will increase attorney engagement and expand access to quality legal services across Virginia.
JAMESTOWN-YORKTOWN FOUNDATION — Civic Season — $5,000
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation fosters awareness and understanding of the early history, settlement, and development of the United States through the convergence of American Indian, European, and African cultures and their enduring legacies. This grant will support interactive programs exploring the First Amendment and the Rule of Law through activities that connect the stories of Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution to contemporary civic life. The project will deepen civic knowledge and encourage visitors to reflect on the relevance of First Amendment rights today.
JAZZ4JUSTICE — Jazz4Justice Concerts — $12,000
Through partnerships with Virginia’s legal, business, music, and academic communities, Jazz4Justice raises awareness of the justice gap while supporting legal aid and music education. This grant will help Jazz4Justice expand its concert series into new communities, including Roanoke, and revive performances in Harrisonburg and Alexandria. By using music to educate audiences and raise funds for legal aid, the program strengthens access to justice and supports those most in need across Virginia.
LEGAL AID JUSTICE CENTER — Richmond Pro Bono Housing Unit — $25,000
The Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC) partners with communities and clients to achieve justice by dismantling systems that create and perpetuate poverty. This grant will support LAJC’s Richmond Pro Bono Housing Clinic, which provides free legal assistance to low-income residents facing eviction, landlord-tenant disputes, illegal lockouts, and unsafe housing conditions. Working with volunteer attorneys and the University of Richmond School of Law’s Access to Justice Clinic, the program expects to serve approximately 175 clients across greater Richmond, helping families maintain stable housing and avoid displacement.
LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF EASTERN VIRGINIA — Student Disability Rights Project — $20,000
The Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia (LASEV) promotes the equal application of justice and removes impediments to fairness for the low-income and vulnerable families of eastern Virginia. While meeting the individual legal needs of clients, LASEV aims to challenge systemic injustice and the root causes of poverty and inequality. Its Disability Rights Unit focuses on outreach to parents of children with disabilities in their service area, and this grant will provide expanded service to 50 low-income children in need of special education advocacy.
LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA — Domestic Violence Program — $30,000
Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV) provides holistic legal services to low-income survivors of domestic violence, including free legal assistance, representation, advocacy, and outreach. This grant will support LSNV’s Domestic Violence Program, helping approximately 100 survivors obtain protective orders and other family law remedies while ensuring they can effectively exercise their legal rights. Through these legal interventions, survivors gain greater safety, stability, and access to justice as they rebuild their lives.
LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA — Conserving Revolutionary Virginia Legal History — $32,500
The Library of Virginia preserves and provides access to the Commonwealth’s history, government, and culture as Virginia’s official library and archives. This grant will support the conservation of two significant Revolutionary-era legal collections—the Legislative Petitions from Burned Counties (1776–1850) and the Norfolk Depositions of 1777. Preserving these rare records will safeguard firsthand accounts of how Virginians maintained the Rule of Law and sought justice during times of war and disaster, ensuring these important historical resources remain accessible for future generations.
MADISON HOUSE — Free Tax Preparation Services — $5,000
As the University of Virginia’s volunteer center for students, Madison House develops leaders, builds community partnerships, and organizes service programs to address the needs of the community as well as the educational and personal growth objectives of students. This grant will support Madison House’s Cville Tax Aid Coalition, which provides free tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income residents of Central Virginia. Staffed by IRS-certified volunteers, including UVA students and community members, this program helps to ensure that underserved Central Virginians can access high-quality, accurate, and empathetic tax preparation services.
MONTPELIER FOUNDATION — “Consider the Constitution” Podcast Series — $10,000
The Montpelier Foundation advances constitutional education by engaging the public with James Madison’s enduring vision of government by the people. Funding will support a six-episode podcast series featuring legal scholars exploring constitutional principles, Virginia legal history, and their relevance to civic life. Designed to reach audiences across the Commonwealth, the series will provide accessible, nonpartisan civic education while helping Virginians better understand the Constitution, the Rule of Law, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA FAMILY SERVICES — CASA Program — $15,000
Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) works alongside individuals and families to build on strengths, address challenges, and create pathways that uplift lives and strengthen communities. Through its Child and Family Wellbeing program, NVFS operates the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program in Arlington and Alexandria’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, advocating for approximately 175 abused and neglected children annually. This grant will support recruiting and training 25 community volunteers to advocate for children in foster care and help ensure they receive the services, stability, and care needed to thrive.
PIEDMONT CASA — CASA Advocates for Children in Foster Care — $15,000
Piedmont CASA provides best-interest advocacy for children involved in abuse and neglect cases in Virginia’s 16th Judicial District, working to ensure every child is safe, has a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive. This grant will support the recruitment, training, and supervision of new Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to serve 39 children currently on the program’s waitlist while expanding services to Culpeper County. These efforts will ensure more children in foster care receive the consistent advocacy and support they need throughout the court process.
PRESERVATION VIRGINIA — Constitutional Law Educational Programs — $5,000
Preservation Virginia inspires and engages the public to support and sustain Virginia’s historic places through advocacy, education, revitalization, and stewardship. This grant will support History Where It Happened, a new educational initiative at the John Marshall House in Richmond. The project will provide free field trips aligned with Virginia’s updated Standards of Learning, develop educational resources exploring John Marshall’s legacy and the experiences of enslaved individuals at the site, and launch a constitutional law lecture series to deepen public understanding of Virginia’s legal history and the Rule of Law.
REGENT UNIVERSITY — Human Trafficking Clinic — $15,000
The Human Trafficking Clinic at Regent University’s Center for Global Justice expands access to justice for survivors seeking relief under Virginia’s vacatur law. Funding will sustain and expand direct legal services for trafficking survivors while growing a statewide network of trained co-counsel attorneys and providing training for specialty dockets and criminal justice professionals. The Clinic also will broaden its work to additional Virginia jurisdictions, helping more survivors remove legal barriers and move forward with greater stability and opportunity.
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA LEGAL AID SOCIETY — Southwest Virginia Elder Abuse and Domestic Violence Conferences — $14,000
The Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society (SVLAS) champions equal justice for low-income Virginians by providing high-quality legal services to those facing serious threats to their personal, economic, or family stability. This grant will support two one-day conferences for attorneys and community professionals focused on domestic violence and elder abuse. Serving approximately 350–400 attendees, the conferences will strengthen participants’ understanding of victimization, trauma, substance use, and elder abuse, equipping them to better support survivors and vulnerable older adults across southwest Virginia.
SURVIVOR VENTURES — Survivor Ventures’ Reentry Program — $5,000
Survivor Ventures provides survivors of human trafficking with the resources and support needed to achieve economic empowerment. Funding will support a Reentry Peer Support Specialist who helps trafficking survivors exiting incarceration navigate the court system and access legal remedies, including vacatur, criminal record relief, driver’s license restoration, and resolution of fines and child support obligations. The program expects to assist at least 30 survivors, helping them overcome legal barriers, successfully reenter their communities, and reduce the risk of recidivism.
VIRGINIA BEACH CASA — Volunteer Recruitment and Coordination — $15,000
Virginia Beach CASA supports court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every abused and neglected child can be safe, achieve permanence, and thrive. The project strengthens the organization’s volunteer program through staff training in trauma-informed care and inclusive practices while expanding volunteer recruitment through community outreach and partnerships. These efforts will increase Virginia Beach CASA’s capacity to prepare advocates and help more children receive consistent, high-quality representation throughout the court process.
VIRGINIA JUDGES & LAWYERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM — VJLAP 2026 Virginia Legal Wellbeing Conference — $22,500
The Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (VJLAP) provides confidential, non-disciplinary assistance to legal professionals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, or other issues affecting professional well-being. This grant will support VJLAP’s educational programming and convenings, including a statewide conference in Lynchburg designed to promote prevention, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking among lawyers, judges, law students, and other legal professionals. The conference will directly engage approximately 125–150 participants while strengthening a healthier, more resilient legal profession across Virginia.
VIRGINIA LAW SCHOOLS — Public Service Internships — $60,000
Supported by the Virginia Law Foundation since 1989, public service internships for first- and second-year law students help bring to light the importance of public interest and pro bono work. Seven of Virginia’s American Bar Association-accredited law schools receive funding for public service internships during the summer. The students work under the supervision of an attorney. The work they complete varies widely, depending on the missions and caseloads of their host organizations. Some students gain experience working on individual client matters and others work on larger projects in an organization’s service area.
VIRGINIA LEGAL AID SOCIETY — Protection for Domestic Violence Survivors — $37,000
The Virginia Legal Aid Society (VLAS) resolves the serious legal problems of low-income people, promotes economic and family stability, reduces poverty through effective legal assistance, and champions equal justice. With this grant, VLAS will provide legal representation, advice, outreach and education to support domestic violence survivors and the people who depend on them. This initiative will impact upwards of 1,000 people in 26 cities and counties in central, southside, and western Tidewater Virginia.
VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF HISTORY & CULTURE — Civics Connects — $70,000
Civics Connects, a Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) initiative, is a VDOE-approved civics curriculum expanding access to high-quality civic education for Virginia students. This grant will support the continued growth of Civics Connects and VMHC’s broader K–12 civics education portfolio, including We the People, Project Citizen, Rule of Law Institute, and Mock Trial. During the 2026–27 school year, VMHC will enhance its 10 units and 51 lessons, expand the Civics Ambassador Corps, and reach 50,000 students statewide.
VIRGINIA POVERTY LAW CENTER — Annual Statewide Legal Aid Conference — $40,000
The Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) advances access to justice for low-income Virginians through advocacy, education, and litigation. This grant will support VPLC’s 46th Annual Statewide Legal Aid Conference, a three-day event featuring approximately 45 sessions on civil legal issues impacting low-income communities. Serving nearly 500 attendees from Virginia’s legal aid and social service organizations, the conference provides CLE credits, timely policy updates, and opportunities for collaboration to strengthen the delivery of effective legal services across the Commonwealth.
VIRGINIA STATE BAR DIVERSITY SECTION — Oliver Hill/Samuel Tucker Pre-Law Institute — $15,000
The Virginia State Bar Diversity Section fosters and encourages diversity and inclusion in admission to the bar and advancement in the legal profession and in the judiciary. Named for legendary civil rights attorneys Oliver Hill and Samuel Tucker, the Hill Tucker Pre-Law Institute is presented annually and seeks to increase diversity in the legal profession by reaching future lawyers at an early age. For one week, diverse and academically at-risk high school students in Virginia stay on a college campus and attend mock classes and seminars on a variety of topics, including career opportunities in the law, test taking strategies, and the college admissions process. Support from this grant enables this Institute to be offered at no cost to all attendees.
WILLIAM & MARY LAW SCHOOL FOUNDATION — The Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Veterans Benefits Clinic — $20,000
The Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Veterans Benefits Clinic at William & Mary provides comprehensive support for veterans’ disability compensation claims by combining legal and psychological services. Each year, it manages around 100 pro bono cases valued at $500,000, and the clinic has recovered more than $10 million in back compensation for veterans and trained approximately 400 law students since 2008. Support from this year’s grant will enable the Clinic to address veterans’ needs holistically while deepening its understanding of the needs of women veterans. Additionally, the Clinic will prepare the next generation of legal advocates through hands-on training in veterans’ benefits law and client-centered advocacy.
