Washington State Bar Foundation

Mission

The Washington State Bar Foundation mission is to provide financial support for programs of the Washington State Bar Association that promote diversity within the legal profession and enhance the public's access to, and understanding of, the justice system.

Description

The Washington State Bar Foundation funds programs that make sure everyone who needs legal aid can access it, ensures the legal professional reflects the communities it serves, and creates opportunities for legal professionals to serve. This is done by supporting the public service, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs of the Washington State Bar Association.

The new Powerful Communities Project provides funding for projects that help ensure access to legal representation for communities who experience poverty and marginalization. This innovative program provides grants to organizations that will be able to serve people who experience poverty, develop or expand meaningful partnerships with community-based organizations serving underrepresented communities, and increase pro bono opportunities for WSBA members. To date, grants have been awarded to 35 projects taking place in more than 20 counties throughout Washington.

The Moderate Means Program has helped provide legal assistance for more than 3,700 people who had nowhere else to turn, keeping legal help within reach. This is accomplished by matching moderate income clients with legal professionals willing to work for a reduced fee, in family, housing, consumer and unemployment law cases.

The Bar Foundation also ensures WSBA has the resources to sustain its diversity, equity and inclusion programs and supports events like statewide community networking events and trainings.