Welcome to the NCBF website!

The National Conference of Bar Foundations is the professional organization for volunteer leaders and executive staff members who serve the more than 200 local, state and specialty bar foundations throughout the nation.Our mission is to improve the administration of justice and the court system as the philanthropic organizations for the legal profession and the judiciary.

NCBF has a wide variety of programs and services that are available for our members, including:

  • Education Seminars
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Best Practices
  • Communications - Listserv, email blasts, website
  • The Complete Guide to Bar Foundations
  • Surveys and Statistical Reports
  • Forms and Procedures Bank
  • Governance and Financial Policies

The NCBF Board of Trustees is a diverse group of bar foundation leaders from all types and all sizes of bar foundations from across the nation. The experienced staff of the American Bar Association's Division for Bar Services provides the necessary guidance and assistance. Please contact me regarding any NCBF matter.

NCBF- the organization of bar foundation professionals that works to meet the needs of the legal community and our citizens.

Steve Chappelear, NCBF President


The Complete Guide to Bar Foundations is a free member benefit to all NCBF members. The guide contains sound advice and information along with sample policies that you can adapt to fit your foundation's needs.

Table of contents

2012 NCBF Midyear Meeting - February 2-4

It's not too late!  Register by January 13 to have your name included  in the Advance Registration List. Meet other bar foundation officers and directors from across the country as you participate in instructive programs and enjoy networking events.

You can register online at www.ambar.org/midyear. Please select the NABE NCBP NCBF form. A faxable registration form is also available. Email registration questions to NABE-NCBP-NCBFregistration@americanbar.org.

Andy RobinsonOur "star" presenter on Friday is Andy Robinson, an experienced consultant and trainer who has served the nonprofit community for the past 31 years.

His books include How to Raise $500 to $5000 from Almost Anyone, and Great Boards for Small Groups. Join us for two targeted workshops, "Anatomy of 'The Ask'" and "Fundraising House Parties", and a hands-on working session in the afternoon, "Mobilize Your Board to Raise More Money."

The Saturday morning program will feature a presentation on marketing for nonprofits by Professor Valerie Andrews, Assistant Professor and Director of the Shawn M. Donnelley Center for Nonprofit Communications at Loyola University New Orleans.  

Her program will be followed by a "show and tell" session showcasing an array of marketing materials and communications venues from  members. Bring your samples and join in the discussion!

NEW! Indianapolis Bar Foundation Wins 2012 Fundraising for Success Award

The Indianapolis Bar Foundation was selected to receive the Fundraising for Success Award for its Giving Level Improvement Initiative. The IBF will be recognized at the 2012 Midyear Meeting Awards Luncheon of the National Conference of Bar Presidents, National Association of Bar Executives and National Conference of Bar Foundations in New Orleans, February 3.

Learn more about the award-winning effort.

Get more fundraising ideas from other award applicants:

Recent Listserve Q&A

What types of programs does your Bar Foundation run and/or what types of programs does your Bar Foundation fund through grants?

NCBF's Surveys

NCBF Members Only resources feature surveys covering a range of topics, ncluding the national impact bar foundation funding has on legal services and the administration of justice, and executive compensation.

If you are a member, you can access the surveys here with the member password. If you are not a member, learn more here.

Bar Foundation in Action

The Massachusetts Bar Foundation (MBF) recently completed its annual
Grant Review, awarding funds to nonprofits across the state of Massachusetts that provide civil legal assistance to the poor and improve the administration of justice.

The MBF awards, 104 in all, totaled more than $3 million - a significant contribution to ensuring access to justice for those most vulnerable in these difficult economic times.