Cy Pres Awards: Support Access to Justice in Riverside County

Riverside Legal Aid is an eligible and qualified recipient of cy pres awards in California class action and probate cases. These court-directed funds provide a powerful way to support free civil legal services for low-income individuals and families throughout Riverside County.

If you’re an attorney, settlement administrator, or party to a class action seeking a cy pres beneficiary aligned with public interest and legal service goals, Riverside Legal Aid meets all the necessary criteria under California Code of Civil Procedure § 384.

What Is a Cy Pres Award?

The term “cy pres” comes from the French phrase cy près comme possible, meaning “as near as possible.” In legal terms, cy pres awards are used when distributing all settlement funds to class members or beneficiaries is not possible—due to unclaimed funds, missing parties, or administrative limitations.

Courts often designate the remaining funds to qualified nonprofit organizations whose mission aligns with the intent of the original lawsuit. These funds help ensure that settlement dollars are still used for public benefit.

How to Designate Riverside Legal Aid as a Cy Pres Recipient

If you are involved in a class action settlement, probate matter, or other case with residual funds, here’s how to designate Riverside Legal Aid:

We are happy to provide language for settlement agreements or Cy Pre declarations upon request.

What Is a Cy Pres Award?

Riverside Legal Aid is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit legal services organization that provides critical free legal help to low-income and underserved populations in Riverside County. We are officially recognized under California Code of Civil Procedure § 384 as an appropriate cy pres recipient because we deliver civil legal services to indigent communities.

Our work includes:

Housing and eviction defense

Family law support including custody, domestic violence restraining orders, and guardianship

Debt relief and bankruptcy assistance

Help with probate-small estates, guardianships, and conservatorships

A cy pres award to Riverside Legal Aid helps expand access to justice, protect vulnerable residents, and strengthen the legal safety net for our community.

Make an Impact With Your Cy Pres Award

Cy pres funds make a tangible difference in the lives of low-income individuals in Riverside County—from protecting families from unlawful evictions to helping survivors of domestic violence secure legal protection. Your support ensures justice isn’t only available to those who can afford it.

To learn more about how your cy pres designation can support legal aid in Riverside, contact us today.

Looking to make a traditional donation instead?

Your support—big or small—helps us provide free legal services to those who need it most.