Free legal consultations, trainings, and resources now available to nonprofits serving San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties
Media Contact: Communications, communications@lawfoundation.org
SAN JOSÉ, CA – The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley today announced that its Nonprofit Protection Project (NPP) has expanded to serve nonprofits in San Mateo County, effective November 1. Since launching in October 2025, the NPP has offered free legal support to Santa Clara County nonprofits facing questions raised by executive orders, federal policy changes, and governance and compliance issues. Thanks to new support from Silicon Valley Community Foundation, San Mateo County nonprofits can now get the same help.
In its first year, the NPP served 55 unique nonprofit organizations and answered more than 100 legal questions in a broad range of areas, from contract and compliance matters to strategic advice. More than half of its clients came back with additional issues.
“Nonprofits in San Mateo County face the same shifting legal landscape as their neighbors in Santa Clara County, and many have limited budgets for legal advice they can trust. Our first year showed that timely legal help keeps organizations focused on the people they serve,” said Alison Brunner, Chief Executive Officer of the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley.
“Nonprofits told us they need a reliable place to turn when legal questions come up, and more than half came back to us with new issues. We are delighted to welcome San Mateo County organizations, and we look forward to connecting with the law firms and attorneys who can help us serve them, said Brooke Heymach, Directing Attorney for Pro Bono at the Law Foundation.
“Nonprofits are on the front lines of serving community members, and they need dependable legal support to keep doing that work. We are proud to support the Law Foundation in bringing the Nonprofit Protection Project to San Mateo County,” said Will Aubin, Senior Community Impact and Policy Officer at Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
The Nonprofit Protection Project provides:
One-on-one pro bono consultations and limited-scope representation, up to 10 hours per organization, on corporate, governance, and compliance questions, including those raised by executive orders and federal policy changes.
Trainings on legal and governance topics, open to any organization, with a focus on reaching nonprofit professionals in both counties.
Free online resources, including checklists, a listing of common filings, a flow chart of common legal issues, and informational guides on audits and investigations, and are available for any interested organization.
Nonprofits that are legally incorporated as 501(c)(3) organizations, have less than $10 million in annual support, and are located in or serve Santa Clara County or San Mateo County may apply for a consultation. Capacity for consultations is limited. Trainings and online resources are open to any organization, wherever it is located. To apply or to browse the free resources, visit lawfoundation.org/nonprofitprotectionproject.
The expansion to San Mateo County was made possible by support from Silicon Valley Community Foundation. The NPP launched in 2025 with generous support from Sobrato Philanthropies and Silicon Valley Community Foundation.