AFJ Development Mid Year Defense Briefing

2026 MID-YEAR REPORT

WE’RE IN OUR FIGHT BACK ERA.

01

OUR IMPACT SNAPSHOT

THIS IS A MOMENT OF CHOICE.

For nearly 50 years, AFJ has helped shape the courts, strengthen nonprofits, and build the movements that protect our democracy. Today, that experience matters more than ever.

As attacks on courts, nonprofits, and fundamental freedoms continue, AFJ is building the infrastructure needed to protect rights, strengthen movements, and fight back.

OUR IMPACT SNAPSHOT

235

Federal judges confirmed under Biden, shaping our courts for generations

330

02

175+

Trainings delivered to equip advocates with the tools to drive change Nearly

5,000

Technical assistance questions answered — providing real-time guidance when it matters most

Participants attended our Bolder Advocacy webinars and trainings

75

600+

Nonprofits supported through 11 clinics; 68% are grassroots organizations

Pro-bono attorneys trained to offer compliance support

16

New member organizations joined our network, strengthening our collective power

BY THE NUMBERS

03

THE JUSTICE PROGRAM

OUR COURTS. REAL CONSEQUENCES.

The decisions that shape our daily lives aren't made in Washington alone. From the U.S. Supreme Court to state supreme courts across the country, judges determine how our rights are protected, our elections are conducted, and our laws are applied. AFJ is helping ensure those courts remain fair, independent, and accountable through its research, analysis, and resources.

Today’s guardrails. Tomorrow’s legacy.

FEDERAL COURTS

235

Biden-confirmed judges protecting democracy

LATEST RESEARCH & REPORTS

THESE JUDGES ARE SHAPING THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY FOR GENERATIONS WHILE CONTINUING TO UPHOLD THE RULE OF LAW IN CASES THAT TEST THE INDEPENDENCE OF OUR COURTS.

COMING OFF THE BENCH

THE QUESTION

Judge Ana C. Reyes Protects Those Who Serve A federal court stands up for equality and the rule of law.

In Talbott v. Trump, Judge Ana C. Reyes — confirmed under President Biden — blocked enforcement of a Trump policy that would have forced transgender servicemembers out of the military, affirming that all people deserve equal protection under the law.

EVERY PERSON WHO HAS ANSWERED THE CALL TO SERVE DESERVES OUR GRATITUDE AND RESPECT.

01 BUILDING THE BENCH

Creating a judiciary that better reflects the communities it serves by expanding pathways to judicial service and encouraging future judicial leaders.

02 HOLDING NOMINEES ACCOUNTABLE Producing trusted research and analysis that helps advocates, policymakers, journalists, and the public understand the records and potential impact of extremist judicial nominees.

03 PREPARING FOR WHAT’S NEXT

Building coalition infrastructure ahead of a potential Supreme Court vacancy.

Can the president exclude people from service based on gender identity?

WHY IT MATTERS Judge Reyes’ decision is one example of why a strong, independent judiciary matters: because the judges on the bench today are making decisions that shape whether our democracy delivers on its promise of equal justice.

LOYALTY LITMUS REPORT Our analysis of federal judicial nominees and the loyalty test shaping today’s courts.

STATE COURTS

Where Most Justice Happens

95%

of all cases are decided in state courts.

That's why protecting state courts is essential to protecting our rights — from reproductive freedom and voting rights to education and workers' rights.

THIS QUARTER IN THE STATES

Wisconsin voters elected Judge Chris Taylor to the state supreme court, where the court is expected to hear major cases involving reproductive rights, voting maps, labor protections, and public education — underscoring the critical role state courts play in protecting everyday rights.

STATE COURTS END OF YEAR REPORT An annual look at key trends and threats - and what it will take to protect justice across the nation.

NONPROFIT DEFENSE & TRAINING

04

PROTECTING THE PEOPLE WHO FIGHT FOR CHANGE. Advocacy is under attack. So we're expanding the defense team.

Every movement needs lawyers. Every advocate needs guidance.

Every organization needs backup.

BOLDER ADVOCACY

AFJ LAW

NONPROFIT LEGAL DEFENSE NETWORK

Can we do this?

What’s the best path forward?

How do we strengthen our defenses?

Helping nonprofits turn ideas into action.

Helping movements navigate complex issues.

Helping movements build legal resilience.

175+

2026

600+

trainings equipping advocates to organize, lobby, and speak up with confidence.

Program launched

Pro-bono attorneys trained to defend civic engagement

330 Technical assistance requests answered in real-time Nearly

5,000 Advocates reached

Trusted Legal counsel for advocacy organizations navigating risk, compliance, and complex campaigns.

75+ Organizations served; 68% are grassroots organizations At least

5

Risk assessment clinics scheduled

We don’t lead every movement.

We make movements stronger.

05

OUTREACH & MEMBERSHIP

MOVEMENTS DON’T BUILD THEMSELVES.

16

50%+

New member organizations joined The Alliance

Grassroots and BIPOCled organizations

44

10

Organizations receiving capacity-building support

Events hosted so far

800

Participants engaged

Every new organization, partnership, and event strengthens the network fighting for an inclusive democracy.

LOOKING AHEAD

THE FIGHT CONTINUES. The work doesn’t end with one nomination, one training, or one legal victory.

This year, we’ve already strengthened our courts, defended the nonprofit sector, and expanded the movement working to protect an inclusive, multiracial democracy.

Together, we're building the power democracy needs — not just for this moment, but for whatever comes next.

CRITICAL RESPONSE FUND Alliance for Justice launched the Critical Response Fund to ensure we can respond immediately to urgent threats to our courts, our democracy, and the rule of law. The $3.5M fund will provide the additional resources we need to respond immediately to the threats we are facing to our courts and democracy.

GOAL

$3.5 MILLION Because preparing for tomorrow begins today.

06

2026 MID-YEAR REPORT

WE’RE IN OUR FIGHT BACK ERA.