Michigan State Bar Foundation

The Michigan State Bar Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the justice system through leadership and funding. Established in 1947 by lawyers and judges, its mission is to provide grants and leadership to ensure access to justice for all, particularly focusing on civil legal aid for low-income individuals, law-related education, and conflict resolution.

History

The concept of the Michigan State Bar Foundation was first proposed in 1941 by Glenn Gillespie, the president of the State Bar of Michigan. Following World War II, the State Bar Board of Commissioners approved the creation of the Foundation in 1947[1][3]. Initially managed by volunteers with assistance from State Bar staff, the Foundation began funding projects such as judicial conferences and law revision committees before increasingly focusing on civil legal aid[3].

Purpose and Activities

The Foundation's primary purpose is to enhance fairness in the justice system by supporting civil legal aid programs. It achieves this by providing grants to nonprofit legal aid organizations, ensuring that low-income individuals have access to legal representation. These grantees facilitate around 50,000 cases annually for low-income persons in Michigan[1].

In addition to civil legal aid, the Foundation supports projects aimed at improving the administration of justice. These initiatives include law-related education, conflict resolution, and enhancing the delivery of civil legal aid to underserved communities. For example, the Foundation has funded projects like medical-legal partnerships and educational programs for jurors[5].

Funding and Financials

The Michigan State Bar Foundation receives its funding from various sources, including mandatory Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA), court filing fees, private donations, and support from its Fellows[1]. As of recent financial reports, the Foundation generated significant revenue from contributions and program services, with total assets of approximately $19 million and liabilities of around $4.7 million[4].

Access to Justice Campaign

In 1997, the Foundation launched the Access to Justice Campaign, which was redesigned in 2018. This initiative collaborates with the State Bar of Michigan to raise resources for civil legal aid programs across Michigan, ensuring that 100% of donations for current operations are distributed to support these programs[1].

Awards and Recognition

The Foundation recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to advancing access to justice through its awards, including the Founders Award and the Access to Justice Award[3]. These awards honor recipients who embody professional excellence and dedication to community service in support of the Foundation's mission.