The Austin Bar Foundation is now accepting applications for grants from Central Texas nonprofits and public interest organizations that provide DEI-related services.
Applications are due by May 1 at 4 p.m. The form may be accessed here and mailed or delivered by hand to 712 W. 16th St, Austin, TX, 78701.
Proposed projects should provide DEI-related services that:
- Facilitate and expand the availability of legal services;
- Improve the administration of justice and the Travis County court system;
- Promote Public understanding of the law; or
- Provide assistance to lawyers in need.
Funding may be provided for start-up projects or ongoing program support. Grants are generally made of up to $2500 to $5,000. ABF will not commit, in advance, to fund a grant application for the same project on an ongoing, annual basis or for a multi-year term. A project may be considered on an annual basis if a new application is submitted for each project year. As a general rule, no project will be funded for more than two consecutive years, even if annual applications are made, although the ABF retains discretion to deviate from this criterion if exceptional circumstances are demonstrated.
Generally, grant awards will be for a period not to exceed one year. The ABF may award renewal grants for projects that are ongoing or take multiple years to accomplish. Grantees eligible for renewal will be required to meet and/or show significant progress toward the project’s performance goals, as well as deliver the expected outcomes.
Grants will NOT be made in support of the following:
- Organizations which are not tax-exempt as described in section 509 (a) (1) and 170B (1) (a) of the Internal Revenue Code
- Religious, political, propaganda, or lobbying purposes
- Organizations whose primary function is to allocate funds to other charitable organizations or projects
- Projects outside of Central Texas
- Loans
- Grants for the establishment of or addition to endowments
- Grants for fund-raising events
- Grants to fund operating expenses (utilities, administrative costs, etc.) unless such operating expenses directly support a proposed project
- Grants for personal projects or entrepreneurial projects.
- Funding that is not specifically tied to a program’s purpose.
Grant recipients are required to give recognition to the ABF on any printed or visual materials used in conjunction with the grant. Example: “This project was made possible through a grant from the Austin Bar Foundation.” Please provide us copies of your written materials as you send them out. We also request photos or video clips and permission to print.
All grant recipients must submit a report and accounting to the ABF within one year of receiving the grant to identify the specific use of awarded funds, any written or published materials created with the funds, and the overall results of the project.
The Austin Bar Foundation is the charitable arm of the Austin Bar Association and Austin legal community, and in partnership with the Austin Bar Association, strives to support and expand the provision of legal-related charitable and educational programs and services in Central Texas.
By offering an effective means for the legal community to engage in law-related philanthropy, the Austin Bar Foundation strengthens the profession by providing lawyers the opportunity to contribute to the quality and benefit of Austin and Travis County. Based on the belief that justice serves as the great equalizer in our society, we ensure access to justice by investing in legal aid and public interest organizations along with expertise, leadership, and advocacy. We serve as a leader in our community. We maintain the highest level of commitment to the permanence of the Austin Bar Foundation and its work by building law-related philanthropy, providing and supporting legal services to low-income Texans, legal education programs, and assistance to lawyers in need.
The Austin Bar Foundation’s core values are:
Access to Justice
Equal access to justice is central to our democratic society, integral to the efficient functioning of our justice system and a critical part of the safety net for the vulnerable in our society. We support the legal and non-legal community through our diligent grant-making process and our ongoing fundraising efforts to create a healthier and stronger community environment.
Service
Our focus always centers on providing equal access to justice, public awareness, and advocacy to the underserved and vulnerable as well as increasing public awareness of these needs through ongoing education.
Accountability
We are the conscientious stewards of the Foundation’s funds to ensure that they are put to the best use. Our donors and the legal community have confidence in our due diligence process and know that their funds will benefit our designated community partners. Our sustainability is guaranteed through our growing endowment.
Integrity
We maintain honesty in word and deed, civility in our interactions and communications, and demonstrate fairness to all. No conflict of interest.
Permanence
We preserve the longevity of the Foundation and ensure our legacy through the continual growth of our endowments.