Application Process

Background

The Ohio State Bar Foundation is a public charity committed to advancing the philanthropic interest of Ohio’s lawyers. We work to improve the justice system, enhance public understanding of the law and recognize excellence in the profession. Our core values include a commitment to a society served by a fair, impartial and accessible system of justice. We believe such a justice system results from the combined efforts of private citizens, educators, judges and lawyers.

Pre-Submission Conference

Potential grant applicants are required to participate in a pre-submission conference with Foundation staff prior to completing any grant application request. To request a pre-submission conference, please contact Executive Liasion, Michele Mitchell at 614-487-4467 or mmitchell@osbf.net.

Grant Application Deadlines

Spring Grant Cycle

Application Due: February 15*, 5 PM
Award Date: By June 30

Fall Grant Cycle

Application Due: August 15*, 5 PM
Award Date: By December 30

*Unless the 15th falls on a weekend. If so, the deadline is extended to the following Monday at 5 PM.

Racial Justice Initiative

Application Due: October 1, 5 PM
Award Date: By December 30

ONLINE GRANT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

In an effort to increase efficiency and communications, we are pleased to introduce our Online Grant Management System. This online system provides many benefits to grant seekers and current grantees, including the ability to control organizational contact information; to draft, save and submit online applications; and to upload required documents and reports.

*AS OF JANUARY 15, 2021, GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE BLACKBAUD OUTCOMES ENABLED. This impact measurement framework will enable the OSBF to track, better understand and align our grantmaking programs.

For new applicants, start a new request and create your account HERE.

For returning applicants and grantees, ACCESS your ACCOUNT HERE TO Start a new request, continue a saved request, view previous submissions, or manage grant requirements.

Access to online applications will close at 5 PM on the respective Grant Cycle application due date. Please be sure you have submitted your online application before the deadline. Any online application not submitted by the deadline will be removed from the system upon close.

Application Procedures

Your complete grant application includes the following:

One-page cover letter describing the project and the amount of your funding request;
Organizational background – including history, mission, types of programs offered, constituencies served;
Project description – including justification of need, statistics on socio-economic information for populations served, specific goals and objectives, activities planned to meet goals and objectives, anticipated outcomes, anticipated challenges/difficulties, project timeline, qualifications of key personnel, methods of evaluation, collaborating organizations, linkages between the program and additional community resources;
Project Budget – including anticipated expenses, and details about how the Foundation funds will be used, anticipated income – including information about other sources approached for funding;
Organizational Budget – including current year budget and proposed budget for project year(s) showing both income and expenses, the organization’s most recent audited financial statement and 990 form;
Supporting Documents – list of current board of trustees, Internal Revenue Service letter confirming IRS Code
501(c)(3) status and classification as a public charity or information confirming status as a governmental unit or agency;
Optional Documents – letters of support, readily available printed material about the organization such as annual reports or brochures.

If you have any questions during your application process, please contact Michele Mitchell at 614-487-4467 or mmitchell@osbf.net.

Apply for a Traditional Grant

Potential grant applicants are required to participate in a pre-submission conference with Foundation staff prior to completing any grant application request.

ApplicanT resources