Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center Grant 2026

The Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to eradicating systemic injustices through litigation, advocacy, education, and grant-making. It offers annual grants to support impactful social justice litigation that addresses significant legal and civil rights issues. The primary purpose of the Barbara McDowell Social Justice Litigation Grant is to fund specific legal cases that aim to achieve social justice through litigation and appeals. Eligible cases must be of substantial public interest, with potential to create significant precedent or widespread impact. Criminal cases, individual-only claims (unless precedent-setting), and amicus briefs are not eligible for funding. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Funding is exclusively allocated to litigation costs, including attorney time charges and direct legal expenses. The litigation case must have been filed no earlier than October 1, 2023, and must be filed no later than December 31, 2025. The application process includes two phases: an initial Letter of Intent (LOI) submitted online between June 1 and June 15, 2025, followed by a full grant application upon invitation by July 15, 2025. Final applications must be submitted by August 1, 2025. Grantees will be notified of awards by late September. Applications are reviewed by the Center’s Advisory Committee, followed by the Grant Committee and the Board of Directors. The review process is designed to identify the most impactful legal cases with broad social justice implications. No contact name, phone number, or direct email is publicly listed; interested applicants are encouraged to use the Center’s online contact form or newsletter for updates.