Cy Pres

Cy pres awards present a unique opportunity to contribute to IAALS’ mission and create systemic improvements that reach far beyond a single jurisdiction—creating a stronger and more equitable justice system for all Americans.

What is Cy Pres?

Cy pres—derived from the French term “cy pres comme possible” meaning “as near as possible”—is a legal doctrine that allows courts to distribute unclaimed or residual funds from class actions, trusts, or other legal proceedings to appropriate charitable causes. This funding mechanism provides an avenue to direct these resources towards appropriate charitable organizations like IAALS, enabling us to bolster our vital work and increase access to justice.

The Work of IAALS: Making the Justice System Work for Everyone

IAALS is an appropriate and ideal beneficiary for cy pres awards through our mission to unlock innovations that make the civil justice system more just and our work to ensure justice for all is a reality for all.

At IAALS, we believe justice for all must be a reality for everyone. Every day, IAALS reexamines how the American civil justice system can better serve the needs of us all. Through purposeful collaboration, listening, and research, we jumpstart the groundbreaking and achievable solutions that will clear a path to justice for everyone. Our work increases access to legal services, strengthens public trust and confidence in our system, and ensures justice is within reach for every person, regardless of circumstances. Our work encompasses a wide range of critical reform areas, including civil and family issues, legal education, judicial selection, and the delivery of legal services.

Why Support IAALS with a Cy Pres Award?

IAALS works to advance a trusted American legal system that is always improving, always accessible, and always serving the people—making us an ideal match for class action cy pres awards, as one underlying premise for all class actions is to make access to justice a reality for people who otherwise would not be able to obtain the protections of the court system.

  • National Impact

    IAALS’ work extends nationwide, influencing legal reform efforts in courts, bar associations, legal employers, law schools, and more. By supporting IAALS, you help us put people at the center of our justice system—creating change that can transform our legal system for all Americans.

  • Innovative Solutions

    IAALS innovates and advances solutions that make our civil justice system more just. Through purposeful research, deep collaboration, and diversity of perspective, our evidence-based recommendations take hold in courts and legal institutions across the country and clear a path to justice for everyone.

  • Restoring Trust

    Imagine the possibilities if our system was designed for the people moving through it, rather than only those working within it. That is the work of IAALS. By placing people at the center of our work, we cut through complexity and rebuild trust in a fair legal system, which is essential for a functioning democracy.

How to Contribute

Your support is instrumental in helping IAALS continue its critical work. We welcome your partnership in directing a cy pres award to IAALS in support of this mission. We encourage you to explore the possibility of directing cy pres awards to IAALS with counsel in the case and the referring court.

To discuss potential cy pres awards or for more information about IAALS’ initiatives and impact, please contact Scott Patton, Director of Development, at scott.patton@du.edu. We are here to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for considering IAALS as a recipient of cy pres awards. Together, we can create a world where everyone has a clear path to justice.

More Ways to Give