About Us
Who We Are
The Philadelphia Bar Foundation is Philadelphia’s hub for civil legal aid. For over 60 years, we’ve united lawyers, firms, businesses, and community partners to make sure everyone has a fair chance at justice.
Advancing Equal Justice. Strengthening the System
At the Philadelphia Bar Foundation, we believe that justice should never depend on income, background, or circumstance. Since 1964, we have been the region’s primary foundation dedicated to strengthening Philadelphia’s civil legal aid ecosystem—the network of organizations, professionals, and programs that ensure equal access to justice for everyone in our city.
Mission
The Philadelphia Bar Foundation removes barriers to justice through programs, grants, and partnerships. We strengthen the civil legal aid ecosystem and engage the community to ensure quality legal services—so everyone can understand and exercise their right to equal justice.
How We Advance Our Mission
Since our founding in 1964, the Philadelphia Bar Foundation has worked to make justice more accessible for everyone. We support civil legal aid, connect the for profit legal and business communities, and invest in programs that strengthen the legal system. Through funding, fellowships, partnerships, and awards, we help ensure that all people—no matter their background or income—can get the legal help they need.
Strengthening Nonprofit Partners
Through our robust grantmaking, the Bar Foundation provides critical, unrestricted funding to dozens of nonprofit legal aid organizations each year. These partners are on the front lines of delivering justice for low-income Philadelphians —protecting tenants from eviction, helping survivors of abuse, advocating for disability rights, and more. Our support sustains their daily operations and long-term impact, ensuring that people facing poverty, discrimination, or systemic barriers can access the legal help they need. We don’t just fund programs—we strengthen a network of justice workers that provides a critical safety net in Philadelphia.
Core Values
Justice for All
Fairness and Inclusion
Responsibility
Partnership
Amplifying Impact
Our History
Founded in 1964 as a division of the Philadelphia Bar Association, the Philadelphia Bar Foundation has grown into one of the leading bar foundations in the nation. For more than 60 years, we have been the only foundation in Philadelphia solely dedicated to delivering on the promise of equal justice for all, awarding millions of dollars in unrestricted general operating grants and other assistance to dozens of nonprofit legal aid organizations in the region.
