Member Spotlight

Minnesota State Bar Foundation

Sep 15, 2025

Minnesota State Bar Foundation

The Minnesota State Bar Foundation (MSBF), the philanthropic arm of the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA), is a beacon of justice and equity in Minnesota. Dedicated to expanding access to legal services, improving the judicial system, and promoting legal education, MSBF empowers communities and strengthens the legal profession through strategic grant making and innovative programs.

About MSBF

Founded in 1957 and based in Minneapolis, MSBF collaborates with the MSBA’s 156,000 members—attorneys, judges, and law students—to address Minnesota’s legal needs. By funding nonprofit organizations and community initiatives, the Foundation ensures underserved individuals gain access to legal resources while fostering a fairer, more inclusive judicial system. A highlight of its work is the annual Justice for All Gala, where the legal community gathers to celebrate grantees, raise funds, and honor champions of justice, blending philanthropy with camaraderie.

Key Programs

MSBF’s grants focus on three core areas:

  • Legal Assistance: Supporting free or low-cost legal services for low-income Minnesotans facing housing, family law, or immigration challenges.
  • Administration of Justice: Funding projects that enhance court efficiency and promote equity in the legal system.
  • Legal Education: Backing programs like mock trials and civic education to empower youth and communities with legal knowledge.

New flagship initiatives include the Diversity Law Student Scholarship, awarded annually to law students committed to public service, celebrating the next generation of equity-driven legal leaders and the NorthStar Lawyers Grant, randomly drawn and awarded to an organization that our members have submitted pro bono hours for and that meets the MSBF’s mission.

Impact

In 2025, the MSBF awarded over $130,000 to more than 40 organizations supporting legal aid clinics, pro bono services, and educational outreach. These efforts helped thousands navigate legal challenges and advanced systemic improvements, such as court technology upgrades and diversity initiatives in the judiciary. An additional $6,000 in scholarships were given to local law students. MSBF’s work bridges the justice gap and inspires lasting change across Minnesota.

Minnesota State Bar Association diversity scholarship recipients, 2025.

For the announcement of the 13 recipients of the 2025 scholarship, click here.

For more information, visit mnbars.org/minnesota-state-bar-foundation or email helpdesk@mnbar.org. The National Conference of Bar Foundations proudly celebrates MSBF’s transformative impact—join us in supporting their work at ncbf.org!