The Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center’s 4th Annual Awards Presentation & Celebration brought together friends and supporters to advance its mission of using the law to create lasting change. The Center announced three new grantees: Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, and the Texas Civil Rights Project. Douglas Koff received the Champion for Justice Award, while Lowe’s was honored as the inaugural Corporate Champion for Equality and Access to Justice. The evening also featured a compelling fireside chat between journalist Judy Woodruff and Congresswoman Deborah Ross on democracy, civic engagement, and the midterm elections.

The Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center has selected four organizations for 2026 grants, each receiving an award of $30,000.