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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

$15 Million

Granted Since 1992

$1,363,395

Granted in 2022

32

Grants Given in 2022

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

April 26, 2023

The Color of Justice: Racial Inequities in the Justice System Virtual Symposium

The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) is proud to host our 2023 Symposium: The Color of Justice: Racial Inequities in the Justice System. The Color of Justice will provide panel discussions on building understanding around barriers in the justice system, the populations being affected, and opportunities for change on an individual and system level.


RECENT NEWS

March 8, 2023

Aaron Bruggeman Honored with Community Service Award

The Ohio State Bar Foundation is proud to award Aaron Bruggeman with Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and under.

January 15, 2023

Ohio State Bar Foundation Awards Nearly $300,000 Through Its Racial Justice Initiative

The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) Board of Trustees recently approved $295,468 in grants to six Ohio nonprofit organizations through its Racial Justice Initiative.

January 5, 2023

2018 OSBF Fellow Michael Corey Named CEO of the Year (Small Nonprofits)

Congratulations to 2018 OSBF Fellow and Executive Director of the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County Michael Corey for being named 2022 CEO of the Year for Small Nonprofits by Columbus CEO Magazine!

December 13, 2022

Trustee Spotlight: Velda Hofacker

Get to know Immediate Past President Velda Hofacker in this Trustee Spotlight.


November 1, 2022

Amanda Lantz Honored with Community Service Award

The Ohio State Bar Foundation is proud to award Amanda Lantz with a Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and under.