Boston, MA, June 16, 2014 – The Brown Rudnick Charitable Foundation Corp., a non-profit, tax-exempt entity established by the law firm of Brown Rudnick LLP, has expanded its educational grants program to include Orange County, California. Brown Rudnick established an office in this area by combining with commercial litigation boutique Rus Miliband & Smith in the spring of 2013. Involving the Orange County office in the Foundation is a logical next step in advancing the Foundation’s mission to support inner-city schools and non-profit educational programs in cities where the Firm has offices.
As part of the Foundation’s expansion, Orange County Partner Cathrine Castaldi was elected to the Foundation Board. Together, with Foundation President Jeffrey Jonas, Executive Director Al Wallis, and fellow Board Directors, Cathrine will review and approve grant applications and help facilitate collaboration between Brown Rudnick’s Orange County office and grant recipients. The Foundation anticipates making grants in Orange County “to address the educational and other needs of economically disadvantaged individuals and groups” as part of the 2014-15 Relationship Grant selection process.
Commenting on the expansion, Castaldi said, “According to a 2013 report published in The Orange County Register, poverty is on the rise among O.C. schoolchildren, with more than 12% of school-age children impoverished, and 43% receiving free or subsidized meals at school. We are delighted that the Foundation is bringing its resources and influence into Orange County to reach those in need and introduce new initiatives that support inner-city schools and non-profit educational programs. I am honored to be a part of that effort.”
About the Brown Rudnick Charitable Foundation Corp.
The Brown Rudnick Charitable Foundation Corp. was established as a non-profit entity through the generosity of the partners of Brown Rudnick Freed & Gesmer, the predecessor to the present firm of Brown Rudnick LLP. The Foundation’s mission is to improve inner-city education. During the past 12 years, the Foundation has awarded hundreds of grants to non-profit organizations in Boston, Hartford, New York, Providence, and Washington. Through the Brown Rudnick Center for the Public Interest, the umbrella entity encompassing all of the Firm’s pro bono legal work, charitable giving, community involvement and public interest efforts, the Firm has often been able to provide pro bono legal assistance or volunteer support for these grant initiatives, as well.
The Foundation has two principal grant programs, both focused on improving inner-city education for the communities of Boston, Hartford, London, New York, Providence, Washington DC., and now Orange County. The Foundation’s Relationship Grants are awarded annually based upon the many proposals received in response to the Foundation’s request for proposal (RFP.) These grants seek to create a relationship with a non-profit grant recipient organization which ideally includes a financial contribution, pro bono legal involvement and volunteer opportunities. The Foundation’s Community Grants are smaller grants, capped at $2000, designed to address a one-time, tangible, immediate need. Proposals are accepted each month from those on the “front lines” of education – the kind of need that those with funding authority don’t appreciate or don’t have the resources to make a priority. More information about Foundation grants and how to apply can be found at here.
About Brown Rudnick LLP
Brown Rudnick is an AmLaw 200 firm with offices in the United States and Europe. With relentless focus on the client’s objectives, the Firm represents clients from around the world in high stakes litigation and business transactions. Our clients include public and private corporations, multinational Fortune 100 businesses and start-up enterprises. We also represent investors, as well as official and ad hoc creditors committees in today’s largest corporate restructurings, both domestically and abroad. The Brown Rudnick Center for the Public interest is an innovative model combining the Firm’s pro bono, charitable giving and community volunteer efforts.
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