Cy Pres Awards and Court Settlements

At the Volunteer Lawyers Project, every day we see how critical access to justice is—and how devastating it can be when it is out of reach.

 

Each year, VLP serves more than 8,000 low-income individuals and families across Greater Boston, helping them stay safely housed, secure protection from abuse, and move forward with stability and dignity. This work is made possible through the power of pro bono and the support of partners who believe in equal justice.

 

Cy Pres awards are funds distributed from class action settlements when it is not feasible to return all funds directly to class members. Courts may direct these residual funds to nonprofit organizations whose work aligns with the interests of the class—often including organizations that expand access to justice and legal services for underserved communities.

 

Cy Pres awards are a vital source of flexible funding that allows us to respond to urgent needs, expand services, and sustain our impact—especially as traditional funding sources face uncertainty.

 

We respectfully ask that you keep VLP in mind when considering Cy Pres

distributions. Your support directly advances access to justice for those who need it most.