To achieve that important mission, the top priority has become the provision of grants to worthwhile non-profit entities in all parts of the state. The first grant was awarded in 2004 and since that time 44 specific grants have been made with more than $235,000 distributed totally— with 37 grants and distributions worth more than $220,000 occurring just since 2008.

The four general categories of grants have been public education, Law School scholarships, legal services for the poor and child abuse and neglect prevention.

The Bar Foundation Board of Directors—a diverse group of two judges and thirteen lawyers from around the state and all types of law practice–has implemented the Justice Fund to dramatically increase the amount of grants from $25,000 annually to at least $100,000 per year. The Justice Fund will consist of a minimum of $1 million.

The Justice Fund starts with more than $500,000 because the Bar Foundation’ Board decided to take the total proceeds from the sale of its buildings to get the ball rolling. In addition, the Board members have agreed to make a personal contribution.

The Justice Fund—Seeking and Supporting Justice in West Virginia!

Here are some personal comments about the positive impact of the Bar Foundation’s grants awarded in the past year—

“THIS SCHOLARSHIP HAS LIGHTENED MY FINANCIAL BURDEN SIGNIFICANTLY. IT IS LIFE CHANGING….” Bar Foundation Public Service Law Student Scholarship Recipient

“42 CHILDREN SUBJECT TO CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT NEW TO THE FOSTER CARE AND JUDICIAL SYSTEMS WITHIN THIS TIME PERIOD WHO WOULD NOT HAVE HAD THE BENEFIT OF A CASA WITHOUT THIS FUNDING….” Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program Administrator

“THE PROGRAM HAS PRODUCED POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM THE COMMUNITY. THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER GIVES THE MOCK TRIAL FRONT PAGE COVERAGE. THE STUDENTS GET BETTER EACH YEAR.” Circuit Court Judge-WV Law Adventure Program

The Justice Fund will pursue justice.

The Bar Foundation’s Board of Directors has assumed the leadership role in instituting the Justice Fund, making personal donations and making contacts with lawyers and law offices to achieve the $1 million goal.

Each Board member, as well as Executive Director Tom Tinder, has made a personal commitment of $500 to be paid in a lump sum or in three annual payments. The fifteen member Board consists of :

Steve White-President-South Charleston

Ancil Ramey-Vice President-Huntington

Jodie Boylen-Secretary/Treasurer-Parkersburg

Barbara Allen-Pittsburgh, PA

Chief Judge John Bailey-Wheeling

Richard Bolen-Huntington

Mary Clare Eros-Shepherdstown

Tom Flaherty-Charleston

Richard Ford, Jr.-Lewisburg

Ken Gray-Morgantown

Harry Hatfield-Madison

Professor Marjorie McDiarmid-Morgantown

Judge Alan Moats-Grafton

Kathy Santa Barbara-Martinsburg

John Shott-Bluefield

Join with the Board members and make your contribution to the Justice Fund today!

Donations can be made by check to the WV Bar Foundation or use your credit/debit card through the simple PayPal donation process on the Bar Foundation’s website—-wvbarfound.org

Do Justice by supporting the Justice Fund!

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Thomas R. Tinder, Esq.
Executive Director
West Virginia Bar Foundation
Post Office Box 4845
Charleston, WV 25364

304-343-9823-phone
tom@wvbarfoundation.org

The philanthropic organization for West Virginia’s legal profession and justice system.

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