Help us to engage, inspire and empower those advancing equal access to justice so that collectively, we can expand the availability of legal services for people, families and communities in need.

Donations to PILI are an investment in the long-term stability of public interest law and pro bono. We take your trust in us to use your financial support very seriously. In fact, 88% of the funds PILI raised in PILI's most recently completed fiscal year were used to support its programs.

Our programs not only help meet immediate legal aid needs, but also provide the building blocks for participants to become leaders in public interest law and in pro bono, expanding and enhancing the availability of quality legal services for people living in poverty both now and into the future.

Make a donation:

Make an Online Donation

Or, you can send a check payable to "PILI" to:

Public Interest Law Initiative
105 West Madison Street, Suite 610
Chicago, IL 60602

See if your company will match your gift:

Many companies, including many law firms, will match employees' charitable contributions to eligible nonprofit organizations. This is a great way to extend the impact of your gift to PILI. Check with your HR department to see whether your company will match your gift and what the procedure is for doing so. PILI can provide any needed documentation (also available on our website) or help you fill out required forms.

Attend or sponsor a PILI event:

Each year, PILI hosts 3 fundraising events and offers a variety of sponsorship levels for firms and corporations.

• PILI's Arcade for Legal Aid is held every Spring and is put on by the Young Professionals Board
• PILI's Annual Pro Bono Reception is held every year in mid-June and celebrates the significant pro bono contributions of law firms, corporations and individuals.
• PILI's Annual Awards Luncheon is held every year in early December and celebrates the legal profession at its best.

Learn more about all of our event sponsorship opportunities »

Join a PILI Giving Circle:

Members of PILI Giving Circles are a special group of supporters who embrace our mission and take a personal interest in our success. Giving circles pledge a fixed amount annual gift for a period of five years, with $100 being the starting level.

Contribute to the PILI Alumni Named Internship Fundraising Campaign:

Support from PILI Alumni is used each year to fund Alumni Named Interns, ensuring that more law students and new lawyers will be able to have the same opportunity these Alumni had to participate in our Internship & Fellowship Programs in the future.

Sponsor a PILI Named Internship:

Named and Honorary Internships are a special way to make a difference in the life of a law student while also adding critical capacity to public interest law organizations seeking to better meet the needs of their clients. Individuals, law firms and corporations can take advantage of this special funding opportunity with the Internship being named to recognize an individual or an entity.  Learn about our most recent Named & Honorary Interns and sponsors »

Planned Giving:

Support the future of public interest law and pro bono, increase the impact of your donation, and save on taxes by including PILI in your estate plan. A simple bequest, or designating PILI as a beneficiary of your IRA or life insurance policy, helps PILI and reduces your taxable estate. Establishing a charitable remainder trust or charitable gift annuity gives you an immediate tax deduction, provides income to you and your family during your lives, and ultimately provides a meaningful gift for future PILI program participants.

Gifts of Stock or Securities:

Gifts of appreciated stock or securities can provide potentially significant tax benefits.

IRA Charitable Rollover:

If you are over age 70 and a half, a direct rollover gift to the PILI from your IRA may be possible. This type of gift can have significant tax advantages, benefiting both you and PILI. Learn more »

Cy Pres and Residual Fund Awards:

PILI is eligible to receive cy pres and residual fund awards. Please consider designating PILI as a recipient of cy pres or residual funds in any class action settlement or judgment with which you are involved.

Law firms can sponsor PILI Graduate Fellows:

Firms can benefit from their Fellows’ experience and training in law as well as their connections to legal service agencies once they start at the firm. Participation also serves as an excellent recruitment tool, demonstrating your firm's commitment to pro bono. Learn more about sponsoring PILI Fellows and see a list of our current Graduate Fellow sponsors.

Get involved with PILI:

While PILI relies on the generosity of its donors to support our work, you can also get involved with and support PILI beyond your financial contributions. From participating in one of our programs to  attending our pro bono programming, to volunteering through any number of pro bono opportunities, there are many ways to get involved with PILI. Learn more »

Contact PILI Executive Director Michael Bergmann by email or by phone at 312-832-5129 to further discuss any of these options to support the work of PILI.

PILI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and contributions are tax-deductible as allowable by law. All contributions to PILI also qualify under the Illinois Supreme Court's Pro Bono Reporting Rule.