Newark, NJ – Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is proud to announce it has been awarded a generous $75,000 Empower New Jersey grant from the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ) as part of its 2025 grantmaking program. This funding will significantly support VLJ’s mission to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty across New Jersey by investing directly in comprehensive, outcomes-focused civil legal services.

A Critical Investment in Life-Changing Outcomes

The Empower New Jersey grant program provides support to organizations that are focused on economic empowerment and social justice, have the potential for significant impact and sustainability, and have the capacity and demonstrated track record of making a difference across the state. VLJ does just that—ensuring clients receive comprehensive legal support to address the urgent and underlying legal issues that foster their long-term stability and contribute to building economic opportunity. With this grant, VLJ will provide one-to-one legal help, legal education, and systemic advocacy to advance justice in our state.

In the United States, there is no guaranteed right to court-appointed counsel in civil legal matters. As a result, millions of people with no- and low-incomes are left to navigate a complex legal system without representation. In a court system built by and for lawyers, this justice gap leads to inequitable outcomes where those without legal training are at a profound disadvantage.

This Empower New Jersey grant will allow VLJ to ensure justice is available to all people, not just those who can afford an attorney. This grant offers a vital lifeline to people in crisis, especially at a time when the government is cutting critical funding that provides a safety net for people experiencing poverty. Together, we can ensure the financial stability of New Jersey families each year.

“We received a significant number of applications for the Empower New Jersey grant this year and are elated that this funding will help support VLJ’s work,” said Program Officer Nalune Francois. “We’re proud that this grant will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of individuals and families who are in crisis across the state.”

"We are incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation of New Jersey for this significant investment," said Cathy Keenan, VLJ's Executive Director. "The $75,000 grant is a recognition of the growing need across New Jersey for free legal help and will directly support our ability to holistically address complex cases like eviction prevention, debt relief, family law, and criminal record expungement. CFNJ's commitment helps us turn the philosophical concept of “access to justice” into a tangible one, meeting New Jerseyans where they are while ensuring the justice system lives up to its name."

VLJ's ultimate goal is to empower clients to secure meaningful employment, live in safe and stable housing, break free from debt, build savings, and transition out of poverty.

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The Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ)
Over our 46-year history, CFNJ has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give. Learn more at cfnj.org.

About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ)
VLJ is an award-winning, comprehensive nonprofit legal services program based in Newark, NJ, with a statewide reach. VLJ's mission is to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. The Newark-based organization ensures fair access to the legal system through partnerships with corporations and hundreds of volunteer attorneys. In 2024, VLJ’s work impacted nearly 4,500 people—including 1,661 children—and its volunteer attorneys donated $2.2 million in free legal services. To learn more, please visit vljnj.org.