Events

Cy Pres

Putting Unclaimed Dollars To Work In Our Community

The term cy pres is derived from the Norman French phrase cy pres comme possible meaning “as near as possible.”

Unclaimed funds from class action or mass tort settlements after distribution efforts are exhausted are ideally suited for cy pres distribution to the Philadelphia Bar Foundation. Our broad network of supported services touch the disadvantaged in our society and support access and fairness in health care, education, children's rights, housing and services to the elderly and disabled. Because our work is rooted in providing access to justice for these vulnerable populations, cy pres distributions to the Bar Foundation have long been accepted as the next best use of such unclaimed funds.

• The Bar Foundation has unique dual relationships with the private bar and the pro bono providers in Philadelphia that gives it special insights on trends and issues affecting access to justice, enabling it to identify new or changing needs and target resources to address them.

• Through a rigorous grants process, the Philadelphia Bar Foundation identifies skilled, professional legal service providers that meet the highest standards of governance. By providing comprehensive support, it ensure the long-term viability of organizations with deep ties to their constituencies and communities.

• The Bar Foundation adheres to the highest ethical standards. It is committed to excellence and transparency in all its work. Funds raised are consciously applied and effectively managed.

• The Bar Foundation is an IRS-recognized 501-c-3 organization.  Its audited financial statements and IRS 990 forms are available here.

The Philadelphia Bar Foundation attracts donors and provides dependable annual support to the non-profit legal services community. This is accomplished within a clear set of priorities.

• Ensuring A Fair And Just Society
• Helping The Poor
• Caring For Our Children And The Elderly
• Addressing Health And Disability Issues
• Focusing On Issues Affecting Women
• Improving Community Welfare

Because of the many ways the Philadelphia Bar Foundation benefits the public interest, it has been the recipient of increasing numbers of cy pres distributions in recent years. These distributions have been put use in ways that enhance our legal system - funding legal services to people - our best way of fulfilling our nation’s promise of justice for all.

To view a Sample Order and our Cy Pres brochure click here.

The Philadelphia Bar Foundation is pleased to provide information about or assistance with cy pres distributions. For more information contact the Bar Foundation's Executive Director at 215-238-6334 or email Gene Sirni.

Click here to view our Case for Support