Cy Pres Awards

Cy Pres is a legal doctrine used when funds from a class action settlement cannot be fully distributed to class members. In these cases, courts may direct remaining funds to nonprofit organizations whose work aligns with the purpose of the litigation.

Civil legal aid organizations are widely recognized as appropriate recipients of cy pres awards because they advance access to the justice system, the same core goal underlying class actions. These funds help address the “justice gap” for people who need legal assistance but cannot afford an attorney.

Pisgah Legal Services provides free civil legal aid across Western North Carolina, including:

• Housing stability and eviction prevention
• Domestic Violence Prevention and Family Law
• Access to healthcare and public benefits
• Consumer Protection

Cy pres awards directly support this work, extending legal solutions to individuals and families who would otherwise go without representation.