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

Co-Sponsor of the NCBF/LexisNexis "Partnerships for Success" Award