Ways to Give

ABA FJE Annual Fund and Restricted Gifts

Annual Fund

The FJE Annual Fund provides a giving opportunity to donors interested in supporting the public service and education programs of the ABA. The Annual Fund provides unrestricted dollars that allow the ABA the flexibility to respond to 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 ABA project or special initiative through the Fund for Justice and Education. All restricted gifts benefit the specific ABA entity's charitable program. Please review the Our Work section to learn more about the charitable programs that receive their funding through the ABA FJE.

Make a Monthly Gift

Sign up for our monthly giving program by making your first gift. DONATE TODAY!

Donor-Advised Funds and Shares of Stock 

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

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

Society of Saratoga Planned Giving

The American Bar Association has been guided by a strong sense of public responsibility and professional pride since the first meeting in Saratoga Spring, New York in 1878.

This dedication thrives today and is reflected in the Association's commitment to serving the legal system and ensuring equal access to justice. With a history and tradition of service, the ABA established the Society of Saratoga Legacy Fund for those members committed to helping those in need, now and in the future.

Those donors making a planned gift of $10,000 or more are recognized as members of the Society. To become a member, a donor provides the ABA with a pledge that his or her estate plan will include a bequest of not less than $10,000 payable from the donor's estate to the ABA Fund for Justice and Education. Or, a donor may provide the ABA with a statement that his or her estate plan already includes a gift to the FJE of not less than $10,000. 

From your Estate 
Through these planned gifts, donors pledging $10,000 or more are included as a member of the Society of Saratoga Legacy Fund.

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. Designate your gift to a specific ABA project or allow us to apply your gift to the area of greatest need.

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 plans to make a significant contribution to the FJE. By designating a tax-exempt entity, like the FJE, as a beneficiary, you will receive a tax benefit.

If you would like to discuss how you can leave a legal legacy, please contact Ceilanne Libber at 312-988-5420 or  email.

IRA Charitable Rollover

If you are age 70 ½ or older, you may make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) of up to $100,000 from your IRA account and receive favorable tax results.  Under the SECURE Act of 2019, however, a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA account does not take effect until you turn 72.   

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. 

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