FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Campaign? The Campaign for Equal Justice is Oregon’s annual statewide legal aid fund-raising campaign.  Since 1991, the Campaign has raised over $15 million.

What is a “Visionary”? Anyone who contributes $5,000 or more.

What is a “Benefactor”? Anyone who contributes between $2,000 and $5,000.

What is a “Champion”? Anyone who contributes between $1,000 and $1,999.  It only takes $84 a month to be a Champion Donor.

What does my donation fund? Legal aid provides civil legal services to low-income Oregonians, operating offices in 19 communities statewide. Most common legal issues are housing, family law and employment issues. Two-thirds of legal aid clients are women, mostly mothers. Legal Aid provides access to the justice system for those in our society with the greatest need and the least means. Our legal system only works when both sides are represented fairly.

“But I already donate to many other charities.” As do many Campaign contributors! As lawyers and legal professionals we are uniquely responsible for maintaining a healthy and equitable legal system.  It is our obligation to ensure that our legal system is available to all people, not just those who can afford it.

Can I donate through the United Way? Yes, just note on your United Way donation form that your contribution is to be directed to the Campaign for Equal Justice at the address below - and let us know that you have so we can make sure we receive the funds.  Note: United Way of the Columbia-Willamette instituted a pilot program in 2007 dispensing with their gift-percentage fees. This ensures that 100% of your donation is passed on to us.

Where do I send my donation?
Please see the address and telephone number to the left.

Can I donate online? Yes. You can make a secure donation on our website via PayPal by following the link to the right.

WHY CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAMPAIGN FOR EQUAL JUSTICE?

    • Last year, legal aid directly served over 20,000 clients! Thousands more were assisted through pro se materials, self help classes and referrals.
    • Less than 20% of the legal needs of low and moderate income Oregonians are currently being met. 80% of needs go unmet!
    • Nearly 700,000 low-income Oregonians qualify for the services provided by the states 100 legal aid attorneys.
    • There is one lawyer in Oregon for every 340 persons in the general population. There is one legal aid attorney for every 7,000 persons who qualify for legal services.
    • In Oregon, the starting salary for a legal aid attorney is $34,500. After 10 years, that attorney can expect to make about $45,000. Support your colleagues who work very hard satisfying this critical legal need in our community!
    • For those with little or no time to do pro bono work, funding a legal aid lawyer is a great alternative.
    • Oregon is considered a pioneer and leader in legal aid fundraising. Help us continue to be a leader and model for other states.
    • Legal aid is a non-partisan issue. Oregon’s entire national congressional delegation supports increased funding for legal aid services.