NCBF Mission

The National Conference of Bar Foundations (NCBF) advances the work of all types of bar foundations by:

(a) Promoting the integral role of bar foundations in advancing law-related philanthropy to the organized bar, the larger legal community, and the philanthropic community; and

(b) Serving as a clearinghouse and resource to assist bar foundations in carrying out their charitable missions.

NCBF Guiding Principles

• By offering an effective means for the legal community to come together to engage in law related philanthropy, bar foundations strengthen the profession by providing lawyers the opportunity to give back in a way that is uniquely important and rewarding for them as lawyers.
  
• Just as bar associations bring lawyers together to address issues that are common to the profession, bar foundations complement those efforts by giving the legal community an effective means to focus on charitable initiatives that lawyers are uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in addressing.
• With appropriate regard for the corporate and tax laws governing the relationship, bar foundations should work in close partnership with their associated bar associations to improve the profession, the justice system and the community.
• By coming together through NCBF and taking advantage of their collective strength, bar foundations of all sizes and sorts-along with other individuals and entities committed to NCBF's mission-can significantly enhance their ability to successfully carry out their own foundation missions while at the same time strengthening and growing the overall field of law related philanthropy through networking, educational programming, sharing resources and best practices, and building broader awareness and support in the legal community.

NCBF 2007 Strategic Directions

I. Cultivate an ethic of giving among lawyers for law-related philanthropy

• Develop messaging and communications tools to further the purpose of cultivating an ethic of giving among lawyers for law-related philanthropy
• Promote charitable initiatives that lawyers are uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in addressing
• Common examples of law-related philanthropy include one or more of the following:
  • Working to ensure equal access to justice
  • Promoting pro bono work in the legal community
  • Improving public understanding of the law and the justice system
  • Improving the administration of the justice system
  • Ensuring that the legal profession remains open to people from all walks of life
  • Helping lawyers who are experiencing difficulties

II. Build the capacity of all types of bar foundations

• Provide education, training and support to member foundations
  
• Increase the fundraising capacity of bar foundations
  
• Provide value-added services and resources to member foundations
• Function as clearinghouse for issues relevant to bar foundations

III. Build community among bar foundations to promote best practices and advance common goals

• Communicate the collective impact of what bar foundations do for the community
• Focus on the common ground that exists among bar foundations of all different sizes and sorts
• Provide the following services, among others, to facilitate this goal:
  
  • Programming and networking opportunities at ABA meetings
  • The NCBF listserv
  • Periodic newsletters
  • Joint programs and initiatives with NABE, NCBP and NAIP

IV. Strengthen partnerships between bar foundations and bar associations

• Promote best practices for bar foundation and bar association collaboration and the positive benefits for both entities
• Strengthen NCBF's partnerships with NABE and NCBP
• Better integrate NCBF with other relevant ABA entities and programs
  • e.g., Standing Committee on Bar Activities and Service, Bar Leader Institute, Bar Leader magazine and other ABA charitable entities, including the American Bar Foundation, the ABA Fund for Justice and Education and the American Bar Endowment
    
• Educate both bar associations and bar foundations about the legal parameters for the association/foundation relationship

V. Facilitate other beneficial philanthropic partnerships for bar foundations

• Strengthen the partnership between NCBF and NAIP
  
• Increase the presence of bar foundations in the larger philanthropic community
  
  • e.g., Council on Foundations, regional associations of grantmakers

VI. Continue to strengthen NCBF's management and governance and increase member participation

• Continue to improve NCBF's board governance
  • Subscribe to the Illinois Nonprofit Principles and Best Practices (see www.donorsforum.org) and strive to adopt the best practices pertinent to NCBF
• Solidify staffing relationship with ABA Division for Bar Services
• Continue to develop NCBF website as a member resource
  
• Work to increase opportunities for member involvement