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Who We Are

As the largest Bar Foundation in the United States, the OSBF gives grants and supports programs that address specific shortcomings in our legal system, honors the accomplishments of attorneys who give back to their communities, and brings together attorneys across the state who support the OSBF’s mission.

OUTREACH

We believe attorneys are uniquely poised to assist Ohioans with unmet legal needs.

EDUCATION

We believe our democracy works better when people understand the law.

JUSTICE

We believe everyone deserves fair and equal access to justice.

Fast Facts

$16 Million

Granted Since 1992

$1.1 million

Granted in 2023

34

Grants Given in 2023

1,200+

OSBF Fellows


RECENT GRANTEES

We are proud to support organizations that promote the pursuit of justice and public understanding of the rule of law.

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Ohio State Bar Foundation

Grantee Spotlight

Learn more about the Center for Holocaust and Humanity in Cincinnati. The Center for Holocaust and Humanity was awarded $10,000 through the OSBF's Racial Justice Initiative for their Case Study for Law Enforcement: Building Community Through the Lessons of the Holocaust project. Using the history of the Holocaust and Nazification of law enforcement as a case study, law enforcement professionals came together to explore the topic of groupthink, analyze the role of law enforcement in history and its importance in modern-day community building and policing practices, and examine their own conscious and implicit biases.

Project Planning Group

Putting Donations to Work

Grant Funding

As a charitable grantmaking organization, the OSBF awards grants to Ohio nonprofits addressing specific, unmet legal needs in our communities. Since 1992, the Foundation has awarded more than $15 million to law-related philanthropic organizations and projects across Ohio. Over time, grants have supported the creation of legal materials, new websites, campaigns, clinics, conferences, trainings, presentations, and more. Visit the Grantee Hub to learn more.

Grantee Hub

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 2, 2024

2024 OSBF Trauma Informed Lawyering Symposium

The 2024 OSBF Trauma-Informed Lawyering Symposium will bring together experts to explore how trauma intersects with the legal system and impacts legal professionals, emphasizing the importance of resilience for both individuals affected by trauma and legal professionals. Save the date and tuned for more details.

May 7, 2024

OSBF's Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under Winners Recognition Luncheon

The Ohio State Bar Foundation is excited to recognize the recipients of the OSBF's Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under at the Ohio State Bar Association's Annual Meeting. Join us for lunch at the Athletic Club of Columbus to celebrate this year's winners. 


RECENT NEWS

January 30, 2024

Ohio State Bar Foundation Awards Over $450,000 Through Its 2023 Fall Grant Cycle

The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) Board of Trustees has approved $459,500 in grants to 18 Ohio nonprofit organizations through its 2023 Fall Grant Cycle. Each project supports the OSBF’s mission to educate the public about the rule of law and build a better justice system.

November 16, 2023

Ohio State Bar Foundation Awards Over $200,000 Through Its Racial Justice Initiative

The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) Board of Trustees recently approved $211,135 in grants to six Ohio nonprofit organizations through its Racial Justice Initiative.

September 21, 2023

Ohio State Bar Foundation Announces 2023 Statewide Award Winners

We are pleased to announce this year’s statewide honorees recognized for leadership in their communities through volunteer service.

August 28, 2023

Intern Spotlight: Reid Luffler

Meet our 2023 Summer Intern Reid Luffler, a senior at St Charles Preparatory School.

July 18, 2023

2022 OSBF Gratitude Report Available Now

Learn more about how we serve our communities and make a positive impact on the lives of Ohioans in our 2022 OSBF Gratitude Report.