PUBLISHED:February 13, 2009

Community Enterprise Clinic receives grant from Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation

Feb. 13, 2009 — The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation recently awarded the Duke Law Community Enterprise Clinic a $50,000 grant to support its work with non-profit organizations and low-wealth entrepreneurs striving to improve the quality of life in low-income communities.

“We are honored by this support from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation,” says Andrew Foster, associate clinical professor of law and director of the clinic. “The funding will enable the clinic to continue to meet the wide range of legal needs presented by our clients. By supporting the clinic, the foundation’s investment will lead to more units of affordable housing, more jobs and improved public policies — all for the benefit of the low- and moderate-income communities served by our clients. Additionally, by participating in this work, our students will develop the critical business lawyering skills that will help them make the transition to practice.”

Launched in the fall of 2002, the Community Enterprise Clinic operates like a public interest law firm that is staffed by Duke Law students and faculty. Services provided by the clinic allow organizations to plan, develop, and implement strategies to build and protect wealth and assets, create jobs, and promote sustainable development in low-income communities.

The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation was established in 1936 and aims to promote social, economic, and environmental justice and build vibrant, sustainable, economically-sound communities by encouraging innovation and excellence in the non-profit sector. In the specific area of community economic development, the foundation seeks to support projects that protect and increase the incomes and assets of low-income individuals and increase community control of economic assets and economic independence for low-income residents.