Barnes & Thornburg Racial and Social Justice Foundation Awards $50,000 Grant to the Michigan League for Public Policy

GRAND RAPIDS – The Barnes & Thornburg Racial and Social Justice Foundation, which was founded last year, has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Michigan League for Public Policy, a nonpartisan policy institute dedicated to creating economic opportunities for the people of Michigan. The grant is one of six being awarded this year by the foundation, which is funded by Barnes & Thornburg’s lawyers and staff, who together raised $300,000 this year.

“It’s humbling to see the firm come together to support so many organizations doing important work to advance racial and social equity in the communities in which we work,” said Robert R. Stead, managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg’s three Michigan offices. “The Michigan League for Public Policy applies a racial equity lens to effect real change for individuals and families across the state, and it’s a privilege to support their great work in the communities that we serve.”

The Michigan League for Public Policy promotes racial equity, economic security, health and well-being for all people in Michigan through policy change. It is the only state-level organization that comprehensively addresses poverty and analyzes state and federal policies’ impact on low-income residents and residents of color. 

“We’re honored to accept this generous donation from Barnes & Thornburg,” said Monique Stanton, president and CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy. “This contribution will go a long way in helping us undo policies that have upheld racist barriers and advance policies that will create more just and equitable opportunities for the people of Michigan.”

Barnes & Thornburg’s Racial and Social Justice Foundation  

The Racial and Social Justice Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 2020 and provided $200,000 to nonprofits in four of the firm’s local communities across the country last year. The foundation’s mission is to promote, advocate, and effect racial and social justice in our local communities and nationally.

“We are pleased to continue our efforts with the Racial and Social Justice Foundation to support the Michigan League for Public Policy and five additional community organizations,” said Robert T. Grand, managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg and foundation board member. “We remain steadfast in our dedication to advocate for organizations support and promote equality, advancement, and justice.” 

To choose grantees, the foundation employed a rigorous scoring system to vet charitable organizations against specific criteria that align with its mission and goals. 

With more than 700 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, Boston, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, New York, Ohio, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, Texas and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us online at www.btlaw.com or on Twitter @BTLawNews.