The Ohio State Bar Foundation is seeking applications to provide funding to support initiatives focused on long-lasting impact and institutional change for racial justice.

Grant applications for OSBF’s new Racial Justice Initiative should specifically address and support initiatives concerning systemic racism that hinder the pursuit of justice and public understanding of the rule of law for the historically marginalized communities of color in Ohio.

The Ohio State Bar Foundation is a 501(c)(3) grantmaking organization and the largest bar foundation in the U.S. The OSBF works to advance the law and build a better justice system by awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants annually to non-profit organizations across Ohio.

The Ohio State Bar Foundation grant program assists organizations with law related projects that:

• promote the pursuit of justice;
• promote public understanding of the rule of law.

Funding Information

Grants up to $500,000.

Criteria

While maintaining flexibility in considering grant applications, the Ohio State Bar Foundation Board of Trustees sets forth the following guidelines to aid potential applicants. These factors are intended only to be advisory.

• Single project – The project should be clearly defined. Projects that are innovative or address unmet needs will be favored. Single projects may include funding for legal services where such funding would be ancillary to a project that is new, innovative and capable of future replication without the use of OSBF funding.
• Length of OSBF funding – The Foundation generally awards funding on an annual basis. Funding for meritorious projects could be awarded beyond one year in special circumstances.
• Need – The applicant must demonstrate a need. Projects that duplicate similar services or programs already provided in an area may be disfavored. If there is a need for additional services of this nature, the applicant should demonstrate that they have developed means of coordinating with existing services.
• Other sources of funding – Applicants are encouraged to identify other potential sources of funding or have secured such sources to make the project viable.
• Geographic focus – The Foundation strives to fund projects in the state of Ohio with a focus placed on geographic diversity.
• Replication/Dissemination plan - Applications must include a plan to disseminate or replicate the product produced with the Foundation’s grant funds.
• Evaluation - Applicants should incorporate a means for evaluating the project and must complete the Foundation’s evaluation.
• Resulting products – Copies of data, written materials, audio visual materials or other products developed as a result of the Foundation’s grant must be provided.

For more information, visit Ohio State Bar Foundation.