The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting for civil rights and social justice in the United States. Founded in 1940 as a separate entity from the NAACP, the LDF focuses on legal advocacy, education, and public policy to combat racial discrimination and promote equality. The LDF engages in litigation, often representing individuals and groups in cases involving voting rights, education, and criminal justice reform. It also provides educational resources and supports initiatives aimed at raising awareness about civil rights issues, ensuring that marginalized communities have access to legal representation and advocacy.