General Information

NAPABA values the crucial role that Affiliates and National Associates play at the local level. They serve as a vital support network for attorneys, communities, and those engaged with legal issues of importance to the NAPABA community. To assist in advancing their missions and objectives, NAPABA created the Affiliate Grant Program. This program provides Affiliates and National Associates with the opportunity to receive up to $3,000 annually in funding for projects focused on community support, pro bono work, and membership development.

Please note: Final grant proposals for 2025 are currently under review, and we are no longer accepting applications for this grant cycle.

Eligible Projects

• Non-Partisan Civic Engagement Activities: Projects aimed at encouraging democratic participation and fostering community involvement without affiliation to any specific political party.

• Advocacy for NAPABA Member Lawyers: Initiatives focused on addressing the challenges, barriers, and disparities faced by lawyers who are from AANHPI communities, while promoting their representation, visibility, and inclusion within the legal profession.

• Educational Workshops: Programs designed to increase legal literacy, empower participants with knowledge, and offer practical advice on legal topics such as knowing your rights, estate planning, language interpretation, immigration processes, and conflict resolution.

• Community Service & Legal Services Projects: Projects that provide access to legal assistance, education, and resources for those who may otherwise be unable to afford or access these services. These initiatives target unmet legal needs, promote justice, and support underserved or vulnerable populations.

• Networking & Mentorship: Initiatives designed to foster professional connections, support career advancement, and offer guidance to lawyers. Activities include opportunities to build relationships with peers and senior professionals, skill development, personal growth, and community engagement, such as alumni events, conferences, bar association activities, and legal forums.

• Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships: Projects that enhance the reach and expertise of legal networks through partnerships, improving service delivery to clients. These initiatives include cross-specialization collaborations, referral networks, and public-private partnerships.

• Leadership Pipeline Development: Efforts focused on developing strong leadership within the legal community by retaining and nurturing younger talent. Initiatives may include scholarships, specialized training, succession planning, and continuing legal education (CLE) programs.

• Development of Educational Materials and Resources: Projects aimed at providing affiliates with accurate and up-to-date information through the creation of toolkits, cheat sheets, online training, and webinars, to help navigate the evolving legal landscape.

• Pro Bono Initiatives: Projects that enable legal professionals to contribute to the community while gaining valuable practice experience. These initiatives address legal inequalities and promote social good, while also enhancing the reputation of affiliate firms.

Selection Criteria

1. Grant projects can be one-time events or part of a multi-year initiative; however, grant applications must be submitted before the program begins.

2. Applications should be complete with all requested information and will be accepted on a rolling basis.

3. To ensure fairness and transparency in the distribution of funds, grant requests must be submitted prior to the start of the program or initiative. Retroactive funding will not be considered. 

4. Grantees are required to acknowledge NAPABA’s sponsorship in all marketing materials, press releases, communications, and other media associated with the project.

5. Affiliates or national associates may receive multiple grants within a calendar year, but the total funding awarded to any entity cannot exceed $3,000 for the year.

Application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

• To apply for a NAPABA Affiliate Grant, please complete the application here.

Questions

Contact NAPABA Membership.