Justice in Action: Grantmaking and Groundwork
As president of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation, I am constantly reminded of our shared responsibility to uphold justice, not just in principle, but in practice. This August, we embrace the theme "Justice in Action: Grantmaking and Groundwork" during one of the most meaningful moments in our annual cycle which is the launch of our grant applications for our 36 nonprofit partners.
These organizations are the backbone of Philadelphia’s civil legal aid network. They defend tenants, protect survivors, secure public benefits and advocate for those facing systemic barriers. They are often the only legal lifeline for thousands of people who would otherwise navigate complex legal challenges alone.
Our grantmaking does more than fund programs. It sustains a network of resilience. Recognizing how stretched these organizations are, we have paused traditional site visits in favor of virtual conversations with executive directors. This shift reduces administrative burdens while deepening our understanding of each organization’s impact.
This shift reflects our trust in nonprofit partners to know what they need and spend their time where it matters most: serving their communities. Civil legal aid often operates in scarcity, meeting overwhelming demand with limited resources. What if we chose a different approach? What if we embraced a mindset of abundance, viewing legal aid not as charity but as essential civic infrastructure worthy of sustained investment?
How we fund legal aid reflects what we value as a society. For lawyers, judges, and legal professionals, supporting access to justice must not be optional. It is an inherent part of our professional and civic duty. A well-resourced legal aid system creates stability, fairness, and opportunity, not just for those in crisis, but for our entire city.
These are the reasons why I make a direct appeal to the legal community and ask that you generously and consistently support the Philadelphia Bar Foundation. Your giving directly fuels organizations that are transforming lives, in so many ways, and who are ensuring justice and making certain that it is not just a promise, but a reality.
As we continue, let us recommit ourselves to this shared mission. Justice in action starts with each of us, through giving, advocacy, volunteering, and speaking boldly about the value of civil legal aid.
As we look ahead, I invite you to celebrate with us at the 2025 Philly Justice Awards, happening Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. This special evening honors the individuals and organizations that embody the very best of what justice in action looks like.
Together, let us ensure justice is accessible, not just in theory, but in every neighborhood and courtroom across our city.
P.S. - For a gentle read in turbulent times, I recommend Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton. This is an enchanting true story that takes place during the early days of the pandemic when the author finds a baby hare outside of her home. This is the story of her years- long relationship with the hare which changes the way the author lives her life and how she sees the world.