PILI is proud to announce that we have received $106,800 in grant funding from several foundations and legal community partners committed to strengthening public interest law engagement, supporting pro bono service, and increasing access to legal assistance throughout Illinois.
These grants will support PILI’s statewide programs, including our Law Student Internship Program and Pro Bono Program, helping us continue to build pathways into public interest law while connecting communities with critical legal resources and support.
PILI is grateful for the support of the following organizations:
Chicago Bar Foundation
PILI is grateful to the Chicago Bar Foundation for their grant of $28,600 to fund two school-year and three summer Internship stipends as well as related program costs for each Intern. The Chicago Bar Foundation brings the legal community together to improve access to justice for people in need and make the legal system more fair and efficient for everyone.
DuPage County Bar Foundation
The DuPage County Bar Foundation awarded PILI $1,700 to support both the Pro Bono Program and Law Student Internship Program in DuPage County. The Foundation serves as the charitable arm of the DuPage County Bar Association and supports charitable giving, scholarships, community service, and legal aid initiatives throughout the region.
Helen Brach Foundation
The Helen Brach Foundation renewed its support of PILI with a grant of $15,000 for 2026. PILI is deeply grateful for the Foundation’s longstanding investment in the Law Student Internship Program, particularly its support for work benefiting children and individuals with disabilities.
Illinois Bar Foundation
PILI received renewed support from the Illinois Bar Foundation in the amount of $20,000 to support PILI’s statewide Pro Bono Program. As longtime partners in advancing access to justice, PILI and the Illinois Bar Foundation share a commitment to expanding legal assistance and promoting pro bono service throughout Illinois.
Illinois State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
PILI received renewed support of $6,500 from the ISBA Young Lawyers Division (ISBA YLD) Children’s Assistance Fund to support the ISBA YLD Named Law Student Intern during Summer 2026. Through this fund, the ISBA YLD provides support to organizations serving children and families across Illinois.
Jerome Mirza Foundation
The Jerome Mirza Foundation renewed its grant of $35,000 to support PILI’s efforts to expand and enhance public interest law and pro bono service outside of Chicago. This funding supports both PILI’s Law Student Internship Program and Pro Bono Program, helping strengthen legal access and capacity in communities across Illinois.
Together, these grants reflect a shared commitment to strengthening Illinois’ public interest law community, supporting the next generation of public interest attorneys, and expanding pro bono engagement across the state.
PILI is deeply grateful to these organizations for their continued partnership and investment in our mission. Thank you to these and all of our supporters!