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Who We Are

Promoting philanthropy and encouraging service to create a more just and equitable legal system for all Ohioans.

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

October 25, 2024

2024 All Rise Annual Awards Celebration

We are thrilled to invite you to the 2024 All Rise Annual Awards Celebration, recognizing outstanding attorneys and organizations that have exemplified an unwavering dedication to building a better justice system. Announcement of winners to come soon!


RECENT NEWS

June 24, 2024

Ohio State Bar Foundation Welcomes New Class of Fellows

The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) is pleased to announce the induction of 21 attorneys to its Fellows Program.

June 12, 2024

Ohio State Bar Foundation Awards Over $430,000 Through Its 2024 Spring Grant Cycle

The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) Board of Trustees has approved $435,645 in grants to 9 Ohio nonprofit organizations through its 2024 Spring Grant Cycle. Each project supports the OSBF’s mission to create a more just and equitable legal system for all Ohioans.

May 14, 2024

Ohio State Bar Foundation Announces Recipients of Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under

The Ohio State Bar Foundation is proud to announce the 11 recipients of the OSBF Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under.

April 25, 2024

Grantee Spotlight: Freedom a la Cart

Thanks to an OSBF grant of $19,500, OSBF grantee Freedom a la Cart is advancing its mission through the Legal Resource & Education Project, providing legal education and resource referrals to survivors of sex trafficking. We are excited to share more about the work they are doing to empower survivors of human trafficking.

March 27, 2024

Now Hiring: Development Director

The Ohio State Bar Foundation is seeking a passionate and experienced Director of Development to lead our fundraising efforts! Are you ready to make a difference? Apply today.