U.S. Foundation

The Foundation is dedicated to improvement in the quality of trial and appellate advocacy, the administration of justice and the ethics of the profession.  It is funded by voluntary contributions, memorial gifts and bequests, and is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization.

Donate

Contributions to the Foundation may be made online or by sending a check to the National Office.  Thank you for your support of our mission.

Note: If you are a Fellow of the College, please log in before making your contribution. This will ensure your contribution is attributed to your giving record.

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Grant Applications

The ACTL's U.S.Foundation provides up to approximately $800,000 in grants annually to law-related, non-profit organizations. The grants range in size from $10,000 to the $150,000 Emil Gumpert Award with most grants in the $20,000 to $50,000 range. The Foundation's principal purpose is to improve the administration of justice and, in particular, access to justice for underserved communities and individuals.
 
The ACTL Foundation welcomes grant applications for projects that are new and innovative and which may need start-up funds but which are expected to become self-sustaining. The Foundation favors projects that provide active legal assistance. The Foundation generally does not provide funds for general operating purposes, to support existing programs or to add new employees for existing programs.


Our Foundation Trustees meet at least twice each year. Grant applications should be submitted by December 31 for consideration at our spring meeting (typically early March), and by June 30 for consideration at our fall meeting (typically early October).

For a grant application, please select the link below. For more information on the Emil Gumpert Award and the separate application process for that Award, please refer to the Emil Gumpert Award page.

Download grant application

Trustees of the Foundation

Image of David J. Hensler

David J. Hensler

President

Hogan Lovells US LLP

Washington, DC

Image of Susan J. Harriman

Susan J. Harriman

Secretary

Image of Francis M. Wikstrom

Francis M. Wikstrom

Treasurer

Parsons Behle & Latimer

Salt Lake City, UT

Image of Rodney Acker

Rodney Acker

Trustee

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP

Dallas, TX

Image of David P. Ackerman

David P. Ackerman

Trustee

Akerman LLP

West Palm Beach, FL

Image of Joseph Arellano

Joseph Arellano

Trustee

Image of Joe R. Caldwell, Jr.

Joe R. Caldwell, Jr.

Trustee

Image of Samuel H. Franklin

Samuel H. Franklin

Trustee

Lightfoot, Franklin & White, L.L.C.

Birmingham, AL

Image of Henry E. Klingeman

Henry E. Klingeman

Trustee

Klingeman Cerimele, Attorneys

Morristown, NJ

Image of Jeffrey S. Leon, LSM, FCIArb

Jeffrey S. Leon, LSM, FCIArb

Trustee

Bennett Jones LLP

Toronto, ON

Image of Patricia A. Lynn-Ford

Patricia A. Lynn-Ford

Trustee

Lynn Law Firm, LLP

Syracuse, NY

Image of Elizabeth N. Mulvey

Elizabeth N. Mulvey

Trustee

Libby Hoopes Brooks & Mulvey

Boston, MA

Image of Lynn K. Neuner

Lynn K. Neuner

Trustee

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

New York, NY

Annual Report

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Brian O'Neill Memorial Fund

The Brian O’Neill Memorial Fund provides travel expenses for public service and judicial Fellows who would otherwise be unable to participate in teaching and training lawyers and judges in other countries to advance the rule of law. Judicial Fellows and Fellows working in public service may apply for funding to support their participation in these international programs. Please use the documents below, and contact the National Office with any questions.

Application Information
Financial Application
Reimbursement Request

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        Foundation Video

Giving Levels

The following giving levels are recognized by the Foundation.  Cumulative gifts at the Patron level and above are acknowledged in the College Roster (Blue Book).

Chancellor $100,000 and above
Governor $50,000-$99,999
Ambassador $25,000-$49,999
Leader $10,000-$24,999
Patron $5,000-$9,999
Sponsor $1,000-$4,999
Fellow $1-$999

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Emil Gumpert Award

 
The Emil Gumpert Award is funded by the Foundation. The Award recognizes programs, whether public or private, whose principal purpose is to maintain and improve the administration of justice.  Learn more about the Emil Gumpert Award.