THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION
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The Chicago Bar Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that focuses its grantmaking primarily in Illinois, with additional funding in Maryland and Colorado. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and operates on a relationship-based, invitation-only engagement model. Nonprofits interested in connecting with the foundation can explore warm-introduction pathways through Impala's Funder Prospecting.
Mission Statement
THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION MOBILIZES CHICAGO'S LEGAL COMMUNITY TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO JUSTICE.
Cause Areas
1
Education
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Explore this org's ecosystem
See top causes for this funder's grantees, who else funds them, and their grants.
Grantee
Total Funding
Funding Share
COORDINATED ADVICE & REFERRAL PROGRAM FOR LEGAL SERVICES
$10.2M
20%
CHICAGO VOLUNTEER LEGAL SERVICES FOUNDATION
$6.7M
13%
CENTER FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION
$6.3M
12%
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Total No. of Grants
52
Median 1st year grant
$16.3K
Median 2nd year grant
$20K
Top 3 Grants
Matched grants only
Grantee
Grant Size
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit an unsolicited grant proposal to THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION?
No. THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION does not accept unsolicited proposals. Funding is by invitation only.
Where does THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION give?
THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION primarily gives to organizations located in Illinois, Maryland, and Colorado. These states represent the largest share of the foundation’s grantmaking by dollars awarded. Additional geographic details are available to registered users.
What size are THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION’s grants?
The largest share of grants from THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION fall in the $5,000 to $25 thousand range. The median first-year grant is about $16 thousand. More detailed grant size data is available to registered users.
How many grants does THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION make each year?
In 2025, THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION awarded about 50 grants, totaling nearly $9.5 million. More detailed grant metrics are available to registered users.
Who did THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION fund recently?
In 2025, THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION awarded grants to about 70 grantees. Recent grantees include COORDINATED ADVICE & REFERRAL PROGRAM FOR LEGAL SERVICES, CHICAGO VOLUNTEER LEGAL SERVICES FOUNDATION, and CENTER FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION. More detailed information on all recent recipients is available to registered users.
How do we apply to THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION?
THE CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION does not accept unsolicited proposals. Funding is by invitation only.