American Bar Endowment’s Opportunity Grant Program

The American Bar Endowment (ABE) Opportunity Grant Program is a philanthropic initiative developed to support new and innovative law-related projects that address urgent public legal needs and enhance access to justice. ABE is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization primarily funded through insurance programs offered to members of the American Bar Association. These programs help support its broader charitable mission, including Opportunity Grants, which prioritize projects that are innovative in both concept and execution. ABE’s aim is to fund initiatives that the legal profession deems critical yet may otherwise lack available resources, especially projects not supported by typical funding sources. The Opportunity Grant Program funds projects that fall under one or more of the following areas: improving access to justice for vulnerable and underserved populations, improving the justice system through the elimination of bias and promotion of equality, and increasing public understanding of legal rights and responsibilities. Grants are awarded only to projects that are both new and innovative. Examples include the development of tools or delivery methods not previously employed by the applying organization or community, addressing newly emergent legal issues, or building organizational capacity in a novel way. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or entities fiscally sponsored by such organizations. Projects must be law-related and cannot represent general or ongoing operations. Only new projects or expansions demonstrating innovation in delivery or impact are considered. Preference is given to requests of $25,000 or less to allow broader distribution of funds, although larger grants may be awarded for highly compelling and replicable projects. A total of up to $300,000 is distributed annually. The submission process requires a mandatory Letter of Inquiry (LOI) due by September 1, 2025, which includes the applicant’s IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full application, which is due October 6, 2025. Completed applications must be submitted via email in a single PDF containing the application form, cover letter, project budget, and any other required documents. Grants are awarded for projects beginning no earlier than January 1 and no later than July 1, with funds disbursed by April 1, 2026, upon execution of the grant agreement. Funded proposals must include clear objectives and a timeline of activities, along with an evaluation plan that ties directly to these objectives. Grant recipients are expected to provide interim and final reports. Projects that involve collaboration, community coordination, or have the potential for replication are viewed favorably. Although ABE funding can be used for consultants and direct project expenses, it cannot support general operating costs, staff salaries, or indirect overhead. All expenses must be project-specific and detailed in the budget narrative. Questions about the grant can be directed to grants@abenet.org, or by phone at 1-800-621-8981. The grant office is located at 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-7648. ABE also provides a sample application form and budget form to assist in preparing submissions. Final notifications of award status will be sent by the end of February 2026.

Use data to justify need; stay within word limits; focus on innovation and replicability.