News & Forums
NCBF June 2025 Newsletter
Registration Now Open: 2025 NCBF Annual Meeting & Conference!
Join us for Innovating for Impact: Strengthening Bar Foundations through Collaboration, Technology, and Engagement on August 14-16, 2025, in Washington, D.C., hosted by the DC Bar Foundation. Held at DC Bar Headquarters (901 4th St. NW) or virtually, this dynamic conference features expert-led sessions, workshops, and networking with top bar foundation leaders..
Highlights
- Keynote by Amy Weber: Explore future-ready strategies for bar foundations.
- Past Presidents’ Insights: Learn from Bob Glaves, Mary Groth, and Leslie Barineau.
- AI Innovation: Carey Shoufler and Lori Keating demystify AI for bar foundations.
- Tech & Collaboration: Brandi J.W. Ray and Kirra Jarratt share access-to-justice solutions.
- Board Engagement Workshop: Michael Ward and Kirra Jarratt on aligning leadership.
- Fireside Chat: Tiffany Carter on nonprofit policy and DEI updates.
- Networking: Thursday Meet & Greet, Friday Night Dinner at Busboys and Poets, and more.
Registration
(Closes July 31, 2025)
NCBF Members: In-Person $299 | Virtual $159
Non-Members: In-Person $399 | Virtual $259
Friday Dinner: $100/person
Accommodations:
Stay at Arlo Hotel (333 G St. NW) with special NCBF rates starting at $189—book by July 11, 2025. Check availability here.
Don’t miss this chance to innovate, collaborate, and elevate your bar foundation’s impact! Register and explore D.C.’s vibrant attractions, from the National Mall to Michelin-starred dining.
Registration page has full schedule & details
Navigating DEI & Advocacy Efforts Webinar – June 18, 2025!
Join the National Conference of Bar Foundations on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time for a timely interactive webinar addressing challenges related to funding cuts targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This webinar will explore strategies for bar foundations to sustain their critical advocacy and equity initiatives.
The Mississippi Bar Foundation Gets Some Well Deserved Attention!
This month, we celebrate The Mississippi Bar Foundation (MBF), a pillar of legal excellence and philanthropy in Mississippi since its establishment in 1963. As the charitable arm of The Mississippi Bar, MBF is committed to improving the administration of justice, supporting legal services for the underserved, and fostering public understanding of the legal system through innovative programs and dedicated leadership. Read the full article here.
Policy Alert: “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Update from Philanthropy Ohio’s Policy Journal
This summary is condensed from Philanthropy Ohio’s Policy Alert:
The U.S. House passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R. 1) on May 22, 2025, a budget reconciliation bill now under Senate consideration that includes provisions impacting the philanthropic sector. As bar foundations, your advocacy is critical to protect nonprofit resources and community impact.
Key Provisions Affecting Philanthropy:
- Tiered Tax Increase on Private Foundations: Higher excise taxes on private foundation investment income, based on asset size, could reduce grantmaking funds. In Ohio alone, this could cost foundations $17.3 million, limiting support for local nonprofits.
- 1% Floor for Corporate Charitable Deductions: Corporations can only deduct contributions exceeding 1% of taxable income, potentially decreasing corporate giving to bar foundations and other charities.
- Universal Charitable Deduction: A temporary reinstatement of a non-itemizer deduction ($150/individual, $300/joint filers, 2025-2028) offers a positive incentive for individual giving.
Positive Update:
Harmful provisions allowing the Executive Branch to revoke nonprofit status without due process and changes to Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) were removed by the House Rules Committee.
Philanthropy Ohio Recommends These Actions:
- Contact Senators to urge removal of harmful provisions, such as the excise tax hike and corporate deduction floor.
- Join the sign-on letter from the National Council of Nonprofits, United Philanthropy Forum, Council on Foundations, and Independent Sector to amplify your voice. Learn more.
Your swift action is vital as the Senate reviews this bill. Protect the ability of bar foundations to advance access to justice and community impact. For resources, including Philanthropy Ohio’s May 20 Federal Policy Update recording, visit Philanthropy Ohio.
Member Connect Responses Available in NCBF’s Resource Library and Blog
Responses to previous Member Connect questions submitted by NCBF members can be viewed online on NCBF’s Member Connect blog and Resource Library. Find information about a variety of topics, including these recently submitted items:
- Policies on Authority Given to Staff and Board Members
- Guidance on Public Statements by Bar Foundations
- Customer Relationship Management Services
- Voluntary Donation Levels
- Professional Liability Insurance advice
- Strategic Planning Consultant Recommendation
- Reimbursement of board members for travel and lodging
Access Member Connect Responses
If you have a resource to share or a question you’d like to pose to fellow members, please email us at info@ncbf.org.
Help Update the NCBF Resource Library!
We’re calling on members to help refresh the Resource Library with updated materials. If you have recent bylaws, Impact Reports, newsletters, or other useful documents, please consider sharing them with us. Your contributions ensure that all members have access to the best and most current resources. Email your materials to info@ncbf.org.
Renew Your Membership Here
FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 COMES WITH MANY BENEFITS, INCLUDING DISCOUNTED ANNUAL MEETING TICKETS, AND NO INCREASE IN DUES!
Membership comes with numerous benefits—and no increase in dues! Renew today to access: A Network of Experts: Connect with bar foundation executives and volunteer leaders through Member Connect. Essential Resources: Enjoy exclusive access to the “Members Only” area, including a Forms Bank, Job Postings, meeting handouts, and member surveys. Top-Notch Programming: Attend conferences and webinars with low or no registration fees, focusing on bar foundation-specific topics. Leadership Opportunities: Advance your career by joining NCBF committees or programs. Recognition: Become eligible for the NCBF Excellence Award and Partnerships for Success Award. Digital Newsletter: Access quick tips and shareable information to enhance your foundation’s operations. Each bar foundation membership includes login privileges for up to three representatives. Recommend us to other foundation leaders you know—it’s easy to sign up at ncbf.org.
NCBF WANTS TO FEATURE YOU!
NCBF is eager to highlight the remarkable work of bar foundations and their volunteers nationwide. If you have an exemplary program or volunteer you would like featured in the Foundation Forum or on NCBF social media, let us know by emailing us at info@ncbf.org.