About Us

History

The San Diego County Bar Foundation (SDCBF) was established in 1979 by the Bar Association to promote access to justice for underserved populations. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over 250 grants, totaling over $6.4 million, to diverse groups of non-profits dedicated to providing critical legal services. Over the years, SDCBF has been guided by a broad and diverse board, ensuring a trusted and effective facilitation of funds. As we continue to grow, our commitment to supporting justice and equity within our community remains steadfast.

Mission

The San Diego County Bar Foundation is the charitable arm of the San Diego County Bar association. Through this partnership with the San Diego legal community, SDCBF strives to provide access to justice by investing in sustainable results and advocacy for people and communities in our region that are impacted by poverty, abuse and discrimination.


By offering an effective means for the legal community to engage in law-related philanthropy, SDCBF strengthens the profession by providing the opportunity to fund quality pro bono legal providers for the benefit of our community. We ensure access to justice by investing in legal aid and public interest organizations that provide expertise, leadership, and advocacy for our underserved populations. We have served as a leader in our community and a model for bar foundations nationwide. We maintain the highest level of commitment to the ideals of justice that are central to our democratic society and uniquely upheld by lawyers. Our grant funding help s provide access to life-changing legal services and education on individuals’ rights and responsibilities.

Past Presidents

2024 Shannon Stein
2023 Deborah Dixon
2022 Pat Swan
2021 Alreen Haeggquist
2020 Gayle Blatt
2019 Monica Sherman
2018 Neal Rockwood
2017 Micaela Banach
2016 Brent Douglas
2015 Brian Funk
2014 Matthew Luxton

2013 James Gilpin
2012 Joseph Ergastolo
2011 James Sandler
2010 James Sandler
2009 Meredith Brown
2008 Colin Murry
2007 Colin Murry
2006 Cindy Davis
2005 Cindy Davis
2004 David Norris
2003 David Norris

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