Indiana Bar Foundation FAQs

What is the Indiana Bar Foundation?

The Indiana Bar Foundation (IBF) is a 501(c)3 public charity comprised of lawyers and judges dedicated to the mission of strengthening access to justice and appreciation for the rule of law in Indiana.
 

What does it mean that the IBF is a “public charity”?
 

The IBF is a public charity not unlike the United Way or the Red Cross.  People often support these organizations, not for what they get in return, but for the chance to feel part of something larger then themselves, something that makes a tangible impact on the lives of others.  They support them for the satisfaction of knowing they can make a difference.  All contributors to the IBF have the assurance that funds are being managed wisely.
 

What does the IBF do?
 

The IBF is primarily a grant-making organization, awarding funds to other not-for-profit organizations, government agencies and the Indiana State Bar Association for programs and projects that advance the Foundation’s mission.  The IBF also oversees the collection of IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts) funds and disperses it to the 14 pro bono districts through the Indiana Pro Bono Commission.  The Foundation works with banks across the state advocating competitive interest rates on IOLTA accounts so that dollars received from those accounts make the biggest impact possible in furthering access to justice for all Hoosiers.

The IBF hosts the annual Fellows of the Indiana Bar Foundation Dinner each spring where new members are inducted and receive plaques signifying their membership.  It also honors individuals’ outstanding achievements.  It hosts a luncheon to present the 50-Year Award to a Fellow that has practiced law for 50 years or more and shown great commitment to their community, family and the legal profession.  In addition, the IBF acknowledges the efforts of attorneys providing outstanding law-related education and pro bono services at the Randall T. Shepard Award Dinner that it co-hosts with the Indiana Pro Bono Commission.   The Foundation also holds the annual IBF Open Golf Tournament to raise funds to increase its grant making ability. 

 

How does one become a Fellow of the Indiana Bar Foundation?
 

Membership in the Fellows of the Indiana Bar Foundation is by invitation only.  Interested attorneys should contact a Fellow to be nominated and a complete listing of Fellows can be found at here.  Nominations received by December 31st are reviewed by the Fellows Nominating Committee whose recommendations are acted upon by the full Board of Directors of the IBF.  Candidates approved for acceptance by the Board are invited to join the upcoming Fellows class inducted each spring.
 

What eligibility requirements are there to become a Fellow?
 

In addition to supporting the mission of the IBF, the Fellows bylaws states that potential Fellows must be:

Members of the Indiana State Bar Association in good standing who are recognized for professional, public and private careers which have demonstrated outstanding legal ability and devotion to the welfare of their community, state, and nation, as well as to the advancement of the legal profession.

 
 

Is the Indiana Bar Foundation different from the Indiana State Bar Association?
 

The Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA) is the professional trade association of attorneys in Indiana.  The ISBA advocates on behalf of the Indiana legal profession and provides services to its members.  A public charity, the Indiana Bar Foundation (IBF) is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, meaning that donations to the IBF are tax-deductible.  Like ISBA, the Foundation is a membership organization; however, the IBF uses its members’ contributions to fund its grant making to nonprofit organization and government agencies pursuing projects that further the IBF’s mission.  IBF members work to promote the public’s understanding of the law and the legal profession, assist people who have difficulty accessing the justice system and providing law-related educational opportunities for all ages.