Who We Are

Launched by the team at Mill Law Center in 2025 to address the many crises facing nonprofit organizations, immigrants, and the progressive sector, Defending Equity Initiative is an independent nonprofit corporation, in the process of establishing tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3), and operated for the charitable purpose of providing pro bono support to other 501(c)(3) organizations and public education.

DEI’s pro bono support is focused on organizations under immediate threat based on their activity supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion, immigrants, and progressive values. DEI also provides resources to remind progressive organizations that they are not the ones who need to change.

The availability and nature of DEI’s support will vary based on the organization, situation, and availability of volunteers — but if you’re under attack, reach out — we want to help.

And if you want to help, we want you to join us.

The future is uncertain, but together we have a chance.