Program areas at The Foundation of the Federal Bar Association
Judicial Research and Education: From time to time, the Foundation provides support for the conduct of research, programs, and education relating to the federal courts and federal jurisprudence. This program provides funding and other support for analytical research and educational programs and activities on a broad range of subject matters, including the history and role of the federal court system and the judiciary, the structure and operation of the courts, the independence of the judiciary, federal jurisprudence, and the relevance of the rule of law to society.In FY23, the Foundation fiscally sponsored the The Justice & Democracy Centers of Minnesota Project for FBA Minnesota.See Schedule O for continuation
Awards and Recognition Programs: The Foundation funds the following FBA awards and recognition, through generous donations given for these purposes:Elaine R. "Boots" Fisher Award - This award is intended to stimulate, encourage, and recognize exemplary community, public and charitable service by members of the FBA. The Foundation makes an annual charitable contribution of $1,000 to an organization for which an FBA member has performed outstanding public service.See Schedule O for continuation
Community Outreach Programs:Chapter Community Outreach Grants - The Foundation provides funding to support community service or outreach projects that involve FBA chapter participation. Projects must address the need for legal services in the community or fall under any component of the Foundation's mission.Diversity Grants - This grant program, established in 2017, supports educational, community service, or outreach projects or programs with a diversity focus. FBA Chapters, Sections, Divisions and Members are encouraged to participate. This grant was designed to address an ongoing need within local communities.See Schedule O for continuation
Scholarships:The Robert A. McNew Law Student Scholarship - promotes the practice of federal law by awarding a scholarship to a law student attending an ABA accredited law school. The scholarship is awarded to a current law student who is a Federal Bar Association law student associate member in good standing. Applicants must exhibit professionalism and high character in their personal and professional lives as demonstrated in application materials. An award will be based on student participation in the FBA, law school, community activities, and academic achievement.Kintner Public Service Scholarship- The Public Service Scholarship provides $5,000 as assistance to a graduating high school senior planning to attend a four-year college or university. At least one of the parents (or guardians) of the student must be a current federal government attorney or federal judge and member of the Federal Bar Association.The Robert A. McNew Law Student Scholarship promotes the practice of federal law by awarding a scholarship of $5,000 to a Federal Bar Association law student associate member attending an ABA accredited law school.The Dr. J. Clay Smith Jr. Scholarship aims to promote diversity in the legal profession and to encourage racial and ethnic minority students to pursue a legal education and complete law school. The Foundation of the FBA awards a $15,000 scholarship to a first-year law student, disbursed over three years of the student's enrollment at an ABA-accredited law school.