Key Issues

The Bar Foundation's justice-related philanthropy addresses core issues involved in providing meaningful access to justice, including:

Protection of Legal Rights: Legal advice and representation for disadvantaged residents struggling to overcome poverty, abuse, and discrimination.

Education: Civic and constitutional education for students; training programs for attorneys offering pro bono (free) civil legal services; public seminars on fair housing laws and other protections for the elderly, the homeless, low-income populations, and social service agency staff; and multilingual programs for immigrants and refugees regarding their rights and responsibilities.

Emerging Needs: The Bar Foundation facilitates the identification of justice-related issues regarding emerging civil legal needs in our state, paying close attention to changing demographics, the economy, and the legal struggles facing different population groups. The Bar Foundation is involved in evaluating and identifying new approaches in the delivery of civil legal aid and education to help ensure New Hampshire residents will have access to critical legal services.

Resource Development and Management: The Bar Foundation initiates and builds relationships with the legal community and banks supporting the IOLTA Grants Program; promotes contributions to the Bar Foundation's endowed Justice Funds in support of Justice Grants; provides planned giving opportunities for donors; encourages organizational development and coordination among legal aid agencies; and communicates funding needs to donors and others committed to ensuring meaningful access to the justice system for all New Hampshire residents.