The Morrison & Foerster Foundation
The Morrison & Foerster Foundation (EIN 94-3006979) is the law firm’s affiliated 501(c)(3) that supports underserved communities and equal access to justice, funded primarily by Morrison & Foerster lawyers and staff. The foundation describes its programs, special project grants, and funding history and criteria on the firm’s website.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Nonprofits focused on equal access to justice, legal aid, public-interest fellowships, scholarships, youth or community programs, or related social justice work—often with a regional presence in California, New York, or Washington, D.C., or with a national legal/justice focus.
Good Fit
- • Mission aligned with legal services, civil rights, access to justice, fellowships, or scholarship programs.
- • Existing relationship or ability to secure sponsorship from Morrison & Foerster lawyers or staff.
- • Capacity to manage grants in the $10K–$300K range and to accept restricted program support.
- • Track record of programmatic outcomes in communities where the firm is active (especially CA, NY, or DC).
- • Willingness to participate in law-firm partnerships, pro bono collaborations, or firm-sponsored initiatives.
Geography
Giving in the latest year reached 19 states (multi-state/national footprint) but is concentrated: about 41% of grant dollars went to California with meaningful shares to New York and D.C.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows a very broad recipient set (226 distinct recipients and 228 grants) with modest dollar concentration (largest recipient ~7%, top five ~21%) and consistent multi-year giving to many independent organizations.
New Applicants
The foundation explicitly states it only considers requests sponsored by Morrison & Foerster lawyers or staff and is not accepting unsolicited proposals; although new recipients appear in the grant record (about 71 in the latest year), direct access for an unfamiliar applicant without internal sponsorship appears unlikely.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
