Mission and History
Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice is an impact research, education and advocacy organization that works to achieve fundamental, systemic reform by addressing policies and practices that relate to social justice and government effectiveness issues. Chicago Appleseed is part of a national network of public interest law centers working through and with Appleseed in Washington, D.C.
Chicago Appleseed began life as the Fund for Justice, created in 1970 as the nonprofit arm of the Chicago Council of Lawyers (Council). The Council was created in 1969 by a group of lawyers who believed that lawyers have a professional obligation to challenge inadequacies in the legal system. The Fund for Justice was created to provide research and education on the systemic issues identified by the Council.
In 1997, the Council and the Fund for Justice were approached by Appleseed in Washington D.C. to become their Chicago affiliate. Appleseed offered us the benefits of being part of a nationwide network of public interest centers working collaboratively on issues affecting social justice. The Fund for Justice affiliated with Appleseed, became Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice, and entered into a partnership agreement with the Council.