American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation Grant Program

The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation is a private charitable organization established to support programs that protect children and families affected by the dissolution of the family unit. Founded by members of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the Foundation focuses on advancing the understanding and practice of family law through education, research, and direct service initiatives. Its grantmaking activities are designed to fund projects that address the legal, emotional, and social challenges faced by families navigating divorce, custody disputes, and related issues. The Foundation administers a unified annual grantmaking program under which multiple named awards are distributed, including grants such as the Jim and Lea Hennenhoefer Grant and others. While these named grants may recognize specific themes such as innovation or service, all funding is awarded through a single application process governed by consistent eligibility requirements, deadlines, and evaluation criteria. Applicants submit one proposal and may be considered for multiple awards within the same funding cycle. Funding supports a broad range of activities aligned with the Foundation’s mission. These include programs that provide legal assistance, counseling, and mental health services to families and children impacted by family disruption. Additional eligible activities include co-parenting education, domestic violence support services, school- and court-based programs, and initiatives that promote relationship stability and prevent family breakdown. The Foundation also supports research, innovation, and educational efforts that contribute to improving family law systems and outcomes. Grant awards are generally modest in size and are intended to either fully support small projects or serve as seed funding for larger initiatives. Individual awards typically do not exceed $5,000 and are expected to fund projects with a duration of no more than 12 months. The Foundation prioritizes projects that can be completed within the grant year or demonstrate the ability to secure additional funding beyond the initial award. Funds are typically disbursed in November following the application cycle. Eligibility is open to U.S.-based organizations that hold valid 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, as well as organizations or individuals whose proposed work aligns with activities permissible under such status. Individuals conducting research or educational work related to family law are also eligible. However, the Foundation does not fund political organizations, lobbying activities, private law firms, or organizations primarily supported by the Legal Services Corporation. All funded activities must comply with nondiscrimination standards and use funds strictly for approved purposes. The application process is structured and requires submission of a complete proposal via email to the Foundation. Applicants must submit a signed application form along with detailed supporting materials, including a project narrative, financial documentation for the previous two fiscal years, a proposed project budget, and proof of tax-exempt status. The project narrative includes sections on organizational background, needs statement, objectives, innovation, methods, and evaluation approach. Applicants are also required to disclose other funding sources and provide supporting documentation where applicable. Applications must be received by May 15 at 5:00 p.m. each year, and late submissions are not considered. Following submission, applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s Grants Committee and Board of Directors. Award decisions are finalized and funds are distributed no later than November. Grant recipients are required to submit a progress report by June 1 of the following year and a final report by December 1, ensuring accountability and proper use of funds. This annual and recurring funding opportunity provides a consistent mechanism for organizations and individuals to secure support for impactful family law-related initiatives.

Emphasize measurable objectives innovation and clear project impact aligned with family law and child welfare priorities