Our Non-Profit Partners
Since its inception, the San Diego County Bar Foundation (SDCBF) has granted over $5 million to organizations serving San Diego County. SDCBF directs its grant awards to organizations that provide critical legal services and foster a deeper understanding of the legal system. Our grants are instrumental in aiding victims of poverty, abuse, and discrimination. In addition to this, they support educational programs designed to enlighten children and adults on the legal system, individual rights, and responsibilities.
The legal aid and public interest organizations supported by the SDCBF include:
The Grant Process
Grant Process at SDCBF: Transparency and Impact
At the San Diego County Bar Foundation (SDCBF), our grant process is meticulous and impactful. It runs annually, typically commencing in July and concluding in December. Here’s an overview:
Eligibility
SDCBF grants are awarded to nonprofit legal aid organizations within San Diego County that operate in several key areas:
- Free or Low-Cost Legal Services: We prioritize applicants who directly provide these services to residents in our region.
- Recruit, Train, and Support Volunteer Attorneys: Supporting programs that involve the legal community in philanthropy.
- Promote Equal Access to Justice: Fostering awareness on legal matters of public interest.
Initial Review
SDCBF’s Grants Committee and members of the Board of Directors meticulously review submitted applications.
A financial management professional conducts an in-depth analysis of each organization’s financial statements, with a possibility of requesting additional information.
Site Visits and Interviews
New applicant organizations receive site visits, and organizations with ongoing grant support are visited approximately every three years. Additionally, the Committee conducts in-person interviews at our offices with the executive directors of all applicant organizations
Final Decisions
Funding decisions receive input from SDCBF’s Finance Committee and final approval from the Board of Directors.
Applicants are officially notified in writing after SDCBF’s December board meeting.