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SABA-DC Community Empowerment Grant

Every year, SABA-DC provides an annual grant to 501(c)(3) organizations for an initiative or project that enhances equal opportunity within and across communities in the National Capital Region. The number of grants awarded, as well as the amount of each grant, will be determined by the SABA-DC Community Empowerment Grant Committee and is based on SABA­-DC’s fundraising efforts and the number of quality applicants it receives. The application for SABA-DC's 2025 Community Empowerment Grant is CLOSED. 

Questions? Please reach out to SABADC.ceg@gmail.com.


2025 SABA-DC Community Empowerment Grantees

SABA-DC chose to partner with three incredible organizations and projects this year. SABA-DC chose: The Appellate Project, the Council for Court Excellence, and the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service. SABA-DC is excited to work with these three amazing organizations!


The Appellate Project


The Appellate Project (TAP) is the first and only organization focused on diversifying our highest courts. Although appellate courts issue rulings that often disproportionately impact communities of color, there are very few attorneys and judges of color in this field. TAP’s mission is to change that. TAP’s award-winning programming provides law students of color around the country with the access, training, and encouragement they need to become the next generation of appellate lawyers and judges.


The Council for Court Excellence


Council for Court Excellence (CCE) is a nonpartisan nonprofit that envisions a justice system in D.C. that equitably serves its people. CCE strives to be inclusive and action-oriented, bringing people and ideas together to make immediate and long-term change in D.C.’s civil, criminal, and youth justice systems. We accomplish these goals by conducting policy and legal research, identifying and promoting justice system reforms, convening important stakeholders to develop recommendations and advance change, and educating to empower residents and increase civic engagement surrounding the law.


The Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service


Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service removes barriers to justice through free civil legal help, community engagement, and advocacy for equitable laws. The MVLS Client Relief Fund helps resolve Tangled Titles by paying small fees and bills that create barriers when recording new deeds, such as outstanding city bills or required home repairs. This is especially challenging since MVLS clients are typically older adults with income below 50% of Maryland's median. For clients, a small amount like $250 for probate fees can unlock thousands in home equity. The Tangled Title Project helps families build intergenerational wealth through estate planning and resolving title issues.

Timeline

Jun 17, 2025: Grant Application Open

August 1, 2025: Deadline for Application Submission

September 1, 2025: Grant Winners Notified

October 18, 2025: Grantees Recognized at Gala

About the SABA-DC Community Empowerment Grant

The South Asian Bar Association of Washington, D.C. (SABA-DC) is a voluntary bar association dedicated to the needs, concerns, and interests of the South Asian legal community in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

SABA-DC's key objectives are to:

  • Advance the professional development of South Asian lawyers and law students in the D.C. metropolitan area;

  • Provide a forum for professional and social networking;

  • Increase awareness and dialogue regarding legal issues facing South Asians in the United States;

  • Improve access to legal services for the South Asian community in the D.C. metropolitan area, particularly among the least fortunate; and

  • Promote a greater understanding of the legal, political, economic, and cultural environment of South Asia and its people.

As part of this mission, SABA-DC is committed to removing barriers to opportunity by finding areas where we, as an affinity bar association, can best direct our resources and efforts to ensure fair access to opportunity for all individuals. SABA-DC's Community Empowerment Grant (previously the SABA-DC Racial Justice Grant) realizes this commitment by investing in concerted efforts that enhance equal opportunity within and across communities.

SABA-DC invites eligible organizations to apply for its Community Empowerment Grant by submitting proposals for innovative and effective projects and initiatives that enhance equality in and across our communities. The purpose of this funding is to encourage, empower, and engage various initiatives by funding projects that benefit the National Capital Region. We focus on funding projects on a range of issues including education, community building, access to justice, combating hate crimes, discrimination and profiling, as well as others.

Grant Selection Criteria

  • To be eligible for funding, the organization must be principally and physically located in the National Capital Region, which includes D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

  • Non-profit and community-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply as a primary applicant.

  • Governments, public schools, public colleges, and public universities cannot be a primary applicant. Organizations or initiatives associated or affiliated with a government, public school, public college, or public university may apply as a primary applicant (e.g., a student organization, a parent-teacher association, an individual affiliated with the institution).

  • The Community Empowerment Grant provides funding to recipients whose organizational projects meet one or more of the following goals:

    • Provide opportunities, such as workshops or training, to address inequities and effectively act or advocate to enhance equal opportunity within and across communities.

    • Broaden the conversation on how to support communities in furthering equal opportunity.

    • Strengthen the local community culture of inclusion and belonging.

    • Address community equity (individual, institutional, or structural), thereby expanding the range of voices in the National Capital Region

SABA-DC Non-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of SABA-DC not to discriminate on the basis of age, gender, disability, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, veteran status, or sexual orientation and to promote fair and equal opportunity for all persons. SABA-DC believes in creating environments where all individuals can thrive and contribute to their communities. All potential applicants are encouraged to apply.

    SABA-DC 

    Our goal is to address the needs and concerns of the South Asian American legal community in Washington, D.C. while providing our members with the knowledge and support necessary to reach their personal and professional goals.


    You can find us here:

    South Asian Bar Association of Washington, D.C.

    P.O. Box 65349
    Washington, D.C. 20035


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