| Through our pro bono program, employees identify and bring forward projects for nonprofits they are passionate about. We are helping organizations maximize their impact, increase efficiencies, and uncover new or better ways for them to make a difference. It’s a win-win! |  |
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.
A Bates White team prepared a report containing a literature review of academic research on payday, vehicle title, and high-cost installment loans. The report summarizes who uses these loans, how lenders target low-income and minority communities, the potential negative outcomes associated with accessing these loans, and the potential lack of understanding by consumers of the terms of and risks associated with these loans. Findings in the report are referenced prominently in the Lawyers’ Committee’s comment to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau arguing to keep the then current rules governing payday lenders in place.
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 is interested in understanding if this type of direct financial aid is more effective than other forms of assistance. Bates White presented to BFTC’s Board, sharing findings 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.
Bates White completed an analysis for Higher Achievement regarding the fee-for-service landscape in Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Richmond area schools, areas where Higher Achievement operates. The team conducted interviews with senior leaders from a number of nonprofits that offer services similar to Higher Achievement, as well as with Higher Achievement staff. They also analyzed data on funding contracts to supplement their interview findings to help determine whether fee-for-service contracts with individual schools might be a sustainable funding source for Higher Achievement.
Our team conducted a pro bono analysis for Give Girls A Chance of cost-effective, high-impact interventions to improve educational outcomes for girls in Nigeria.
