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Q: What is the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation?
A: The Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable organization of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers organized for the purpose of furthering the Academy’s charitable and educational purposes.

Q: What is the mission of the AAML Foundation?
A: Protection of families and children affected by the break-up of the family unit.

Q: What does the AAML Foundation do?
A: The Foundation provides financial assistance through grants to organizations that: (1) support projects pertaining to children in custody disputes, dependency cases and similar situations; (2) support programs in schools, courts, and organizations to help children cope with the breakup of families; (3) teach mothers, fathers and parental caregivers how to co-parent effectively; (4) provide counseling to children of families experiencing domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse and mental illness; (5) promote relationship enrichment programs to help prevent the breakup of families; (6) promote pro bono and low-cost family law legal representation and ancillary mental health services for both indigent clients and their children, who are adversely affected by the breakup of the family unit; and (7) promote innovation, research and education in support of the mission of the Foundation.

Q: Where is the AAML Foundation located?
A:  American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation
321 N Clark Street, Suite 1200
Chicago, Illinois 60654
(312) 702-2520
kim@aamlfoundation.org

Q: How does the AAML Foundation get funding to make grants?
A: The Foundation obtains funding to make grants through the generous donations of Academy members (divorce lawyers), family, friends and through our affiliated forensic and valuation professional partners. The Foundation receives donations from members through its Billable Hour Campaign, Lifetime Membership donations, and a silent auction held every year at the Academy’s annual meeting in Chicago in early November.

Q. How does the AAML Foundation choose grant recipients?
A. The Board of Directors of the Foundation through a Grants Committee reviews applications that meet the requirements of the Grant Policy and of applications who meet the Applicant Eligibility Requirements as posted on this website under the Grant Application tab.

Q. How long does the application process take?
A. Applications are due by May 15th of each year, are reviewed shortly thereafter and funds are disbursed in November of each year.

Q. What is not funded by the AAML Foundation?
A. For a full list, see the Grant Application. In general, grants will not be distributed to political or religious organizations, private law firms, endowment or scholarship funds, or organizations primarily funded by Legal Services Corporation. The Foundation gives priority to grants using funding within the 12 month period and requested funding does not exceed $5,000.

Q: How can I donate to the AAML Foundation?
A: Go to the Donate Now button on the Home Page.

Q. Can I become a member of the AAML Foundation?
A. Membership in the Foundation is limited to membership in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers or the Forensic and Business Valuation Division.

Q. Can I or my firm sponsor an AAML Foundation event?
A. Yes. Please contact Kimberley Scott, Executive Director, at (312) 702-2520. You will normally receive appropriate acknowledgement in programs and signage at the event.

Q: Where does the money go when a donation is received?
A: Donations are held in prudently invested accounts. The Foundation’s goal is to increase its income-producing assets in order to increase the number of grants the Foundation can make to worthy organizations.