Ways to Give

ABA FJE Annual Fund and Restricted Gifts

FJE Annual Fund

The FJE Annual Fund is an opportunity to invest in all of the public service and education programs of the ABA. Generous unrestricted donations to the FJE Annual Fund support programs in greatest need,  expand the ABA’s ability to address emerging legal issues and to seize new opportunities to help the profession and our communities thrive.

You can donate online today, call 312-988-5927 or mail your contribution made payable to the Fund for Justice and Education to:

American Bar Association
Attn: Fund for Justice and Education
321 N. Clark Street Fl. 20
Chicago, IL 60654

Restricted Funds

Donors may contribute to a specific charitable project or initiative through the ABA Fund for Justice and Education. All restricted gifts benefit the specific ABA  charitable program. Please review the Our Work section to learn more about the charitable programs that are generously supported through gifts and grants. 

Matching Gifts

Many employers will double—some triple—your donation. Check with your company to see if they have a matching gift program. 

• ABA Fund for Justice and Education is our official name (even if you designate your gift, still issue to the parent organization)
• Our address: 321 N Clark St. Chicago, IL 60654
• Tax ID (EIN): 36-6110299

Donor-Advised Funds 

Donor-Advised Funds: Making a contribution to the ABA FJE through your Donor-Advised Fund provides an immediate gift to improve access to justice.

Unlock the potential of your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) in three easy steps:

1. Recommend a grant distribution through your DAF administrator
2. Reference the ABA FJE’s EIN 36-6110299
3. Indicate that the grant is designated to the ABA charitable program of your choice.

You can visit DAF Direct to start the process now.

IRA Charitable Distribution

If you are age 70 ½ or older, you may make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) of up to $105,000 from your IRA account and receive favorable tax results. 

Shares of Stock

Donating shares of appreciated stock or securities can provide potentially significant tax benefits. Please notify our office of your gift.

Cy Pres and Residual Fund Awards

The ABA FJE is eligible to receive cy pres and residual fund awards. Please contact us if you would like to designate the ABA FJE as a recipient. 

What are Cy Pres Awards?

Cy pres awards are residual funds in class action cases that are unclaimed or cannot be distributed to the intended class members or beneficiaries. Under the cy pres doctrine, courts can distribute these residual funds to appropriate charitable causes. Plaintiff and defense attorneys also give input on directing cy pres awards.

Why Choose the Fund for Justice and Education?

Gifts and awards to the ABA Fund for Justice and Education advance ABA public service and educational initiatives that support best practice in the delivery of legal services, address the access to justice gap, educate the public about civic responsibilities, the law, and the courts, improve the legal profession and justice system, and advance the rule of law.

Thank you to the law firms and lawyers who have directed cy pres awards to our organization.

Planned Giving: Society of Saratoga Legacy Giving

The American Bar Association has been guided by a strong sense of public responsibility and professional pride since its first meeting in Saratoga Springs, New York in 1878.  This dedication thrives today and is reflected in the Association's commitment to improving the legal system and ensuring equal access to justice. With a history and tradition of service, the ABA established the Society of Saratoga to publicly recognize individuals who are committed to the ABA’s law-related public service and educational programs, now and in the future. 

All deferred gifts are welcome and deeply appreciated.  Donors who make a revocable bequest pledge of $10,000 or more can be recognized as members of the Society of Saratoga.  Please indicate your bequest intention by completing this confidential form and returning it via email to [email protected].   

There are many ways of using your estate to leave your legal legacy at the ABA:

Wills & Living Trusts: Make a generous contribution to the FJE without reducing your current income by including the FJE in your will or living trust. Allow us to apply your gift to the area of greatest need through the FJE Annual Fund or designate your gift to a specific ABA charitable program.  Please see these examples of bequest language to include in your estate plan. 

Life Insurance: Name the FJE as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy and combine charitable objectives with tax advantages. As tax laws regarding gifts of life insurance policies are complex, please contact your insurance provider for more information.

Retirement Plans: Consider using the assets held in an IRA or other retirement plan to make a significant contribution to the FJE. By designating a tax-exempt entity, like the FJE as a beneficiary, you could reduce your annual gross income which may positively affect your Medicare benefits and carry tax advantages. 

The FJE will be pleased to assist your financial advisor with including the FJE in your estate plan; please contact us at [email protected] or 312-988-5927.  Thank you!

Learn more about the Society of Saratoga

Giving Societies

Lifelong Giving Circle

Platinum: $1 million+

Gold: $500,000 - $999,999

Silver: $100,000 - $499,999

Bronze: $50,000 - $99,999

President's Club (Annual)

$50,000+

$25,000 - $49,999

$10,000 - $24,999

$5,000 - $9,999

$2,500 - $4,999

$1,000 - $2,499

The ABA Fund for Justice and Education's Gift Acceptance Policy can be found here.