While the primary funding source for ACJF is from Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTAs), ACJF’s work would not have been possible without the incredible financial contributions of its participating members and friends. This has been true during times when IOLTA income has been good; however, during times such as now when IOLTA interest rates are at historic lows, the importance of financial contributions from law firms, lawyers and ACJF friends is of upmost importance to the work of the Foundation.

In the first 21 years of its existence, ACJF has received close to $4 million in contributions. These funds have been given in various ways. Below you will find a description of the opportunities for giving that are available through the ACJF.

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and thus gifts are tax deductible. ACJF provides all donors with verification for their gifts.

Contributions may be made by check to ACJF or by credit card online. Sue McInnish is available to discuss the work of ACJF, its needs and the following options with you.

Direct Contributions/ Increasing Our Interest Campaign:  The Alabama Civil Justice Foundation welcomes contributions from lawyers, law firms and friends. These funds represent the legal community’s commitment to assist the ACJF in assisting Alabama’s needy families and children.

Designated Gifts:  Donors may make a financial gift to ACJF for a specific need or a specific grant making area. Contact Sue McInnish to discuss further.

Memorial & Tributes are donations made to the ACJF in memory or honor of a loved one. The ACJF provides acknowledgment of the gift to the appropriate individual/s, which includes identification of the ACJF as a charity supported by lawyers providing assistance to the disadvantaged, disabled, and at-risk in Alabama.

Special Events includes the annual FABulous (Family & Attorneys @ Beach) Beach Party held each June at San Destin during the Alabama Association for Justice’s Annual conference and a Roast & Toast Gala held every other year. Sponsorships tailored for each event are sought by ACJF. Both events are incredibly fun and entertaining and have helped ACJF to raise funds for its operation and grant making.

Pioneers of Justice Society:  This prestigious entity was created by ACJF to recognize Alabama attorneys who have had a major impact on the legal system and the well-being of its most needy citizens and to establish a perpetual fund to support ACJF during its times of low IOLTA income. Charter Membership is open to attorneys and others who meet its criteria and make a multi-year pledge of $10,000.

Advocates for Justice Society:  This society is open to attorneys and ACJF friends under 40 who support the values and work of the Foundation. Its purpose is to support ACJF and its grant making. Charter memberships are open to those eligible who make a multi-year pledge of $1,500.

Planned Gifts are those contributions which involve the donor, the donor’s professional advisors and the charity. Some benefit the charity at the time of the gift and some at a later date. Planned giving opportunities include:

• Bequest through a will
• Securities such as stocks and bonds
• Real Estate or Personal Property
• Charitable Lead or Remainder Trust
• Life Insurance or Retirement Funds
• …and more

Case Specific Projects:  At the conclusion of a major case, law firms and/or lawyers can make a contribution to ACJF for a specific and related purpose to the case, its victims, or its impacted geographical area. ACJF is available to manage or direct the intended grant making as needed. For an example of ACJF’s work on a significant case specific project in Anniston, Alabama, [click here].

Cy Pres Award:  The Alabama Civil Justice Foundation is the only state-wide grant making foundation with a broad range of funding areas and a connection to Alabama courts and attorneys; therefore, ACJF is an ideal place to direct cy pres awards and to reach the original purpose of the court as closely as possible. Additionally, ACJF is a respected philanthropy with grant management and cy pres experience. For more information, [click here].

Special Campaigns:  On occasion, ACJF will provide an opportunity for its participating members and friends to join together to meet a specific need. For instance, ACJF had a campaigns to raise funds for the victims of the April 27, 2011 tornados in our state and for the victims of the Hurricane Katrina. ACJF has also managed campaigns for specific communities raising funds for a local need. For instance, ACJF has managed a Christmas Charity Campaign for families in need.

Donor Advised Funds allow an individual/s or entity such as a law firm to establish a named fund through the ACJF and to make recommendations to the ACJF concerning the disbursement of the donation to various charities. The donations are made by the ACJF with appropriate recognition to the donor.

Through a DAF, a donor is jointly supporting the ACJF and a local charity. A donor is also joining with lawyers from across the state in charitable giving. It creates a simple means to make charitable contributions while having available the expertise and guidance of the ACJF in charitable giving.

ACJF Donor Advised Fund Policies and a Donor Advised Fund Establishment Form are available.

Special charitable designation
The Alabama Civil Justice Foundation is most honored to have been designated as the official charity of the Alabama Association for Justice (formerly Alabama Trial Lawyers Association) in June 2000. ALAJ’s efforts led to the creation of the ACJF and its continued support has enabled the foundation to grow.