Pro bono work

Children's Law Center

For several years, Bates White has been analyzing the DC Council’s agency-level budgets for Children’s Law Center (CLC). These budgets can be difficult to interpret and are typically released only a week before the Council begins budget hearings. Bates White’s analysis of the budget identifies key trends in the budget and facilitates the formation of CLC’s strategy in advocating for some of the city’s most vulnerable populations during the budget hearings. Learn more about our relationship with CLC.

Higher Achievement

For many years, employees have served as mentors in Higher Achievement centers, conducted pro bono analyses, raised money through creative competitions, and served on Higher Achievement’s leadership council. In addition, the firm has conducted pro bono analyses for Higher Achievement, such as this one that examines the school-based funding landscape where Higher Achievement operates. 

Bread for the City

On behalf of Bread for the City (BFTC), Bates White analyzed how anonymous recipients used debit gift cards from BFTC's Holiday Helpings program during the pandemic. BFTC wanted to understand if this type of direct financial aid is more effective than other forms of assistance. Bates White shared findings with the BFTC Board on the types of stores their clients frequented, where in and around Washington, DC, the clients were using the funds, and how purchase patterns differed when clients received physical versus electronic cards. BFTC will use this information to help inform their strategic decision-making process for the subsequent year’s program, as well as other forms of future assistance.

A Bates White team worked with DC Greens to develop a tool that provides interactive charts and statistics for enrollees in DC Greens’ Produce Rx Program. The program allows medical professionals to prescribe fresh produce for patients with diet-related chronic illnesses. The tool helps DC Greens assess the program’s efficacy and make adjustments to further help enrolled patients.