The Foundation is pleased to support the Federal Bar Association’s efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion by awarding grants that fund educational, community service, or outreach projects or programs with a diversity focus that involve FBA Chapter, Section, Division, or member participation.

Grant applications are accepted twice during the Foundation’s fiscal year and processed according to the following schedule:

Grant Application Due Date Date Awarded
Round 1: December 15 February 28
Round 2: June 15 August 31

Preference will be given to applicants which did not receive a grant the prior fiscal year.

Grant Eligibility Criteria

The proposed project or program must be focused upon the elimination of bias or the promotion of diversity. Diversity refers to all manner of diversity, including race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other unique attribute. It is strongly suggested that the project or program contain an education component. Your application should clearly outline how the FBA will participate in the project/program and this involvement should be reflected in the Follow-Up Report.

Application Requirements and Grant Evaluation Criteria

Your completed online grant application must include a project/program abstract of 100 words or less and the following information regarding your proposal. The reviewers specifically evaluate each of these criteria. For example, the application should not only state how an FBA member or affiliate is involved but also why FBA participation is important to the project/program.

Click here to access the online application portal.

  1. Project/Program Description. Describe the project or program, including how it will address the elimination of bias and/or the promotion of diversity.
  2. Objectives. Define the project/program, including the target population, objectives, expected benefits, methods of implementation, and expected results. Please also describe any corollary benefits to the FBA, such as enhanced collegiality.
  3. Budget. Define the designated budget, including: use of Foundation grant funding; source of other necessary funds; and how other funds will be raised.
  4. FBA Involvement. Describe the how the FBA Chapter, Section, Division, or current member* will be involved with the project/program and why this participation is important. *Must be an FBA member in good standing
  5. Timeline. Define the timeline for the project’s/program’s activities, and any plans for support after the Foundation grant ends.
  6. Evaluation Process. Define how you will evaluate the project’s impact and success.
  7. Publicity. Define the planned local and regional publicity for the project/program.
  8. Feedback Plan. Define the plan for providing feedback on the project to the Foundation through the online Follow-Up Report form, submitted not later than 45 days after completion of the project/program or no later than six (6) months after the grant is awarded. This report includes details such as financial data and the grant’s anticipated lasting impact.

Currently, the maximum FBA Foundation grant amount is $10,000. The number of grants funded and the amount of each grant is dependent upon the available funding as well as the number and quality of applications. The decisions of the Diversity Grant Selection Committee are final.

The grant recipient is obligated to use the funds for the intended purpose and must submit the online Grant Program Follow-Up Report within 45 days after completion of the project/program or not later than six (6) months after the grant is awarded. Click here to access the online Follow-Up Report portal. Recipients are encouraged to note in project/program materials that the project/program is funded by the Foundation of the FBA. Grant funds remaining after completion of the project/program OR not used for the intended purpose must be returned to the Foundation. (Contact foundation@fedbar.org)

If your proposal is not awarded funds from the Foundation, you may re-apply for the next grant cycle. If you wish to resubmit a project/program, review the eligibility and evaluation criteria from the Foundation carefully and, perhaps, include additional clarifying information.

Please direct questions about the Diversity Grant to foundation@fedbar.org.

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