Vermont Bar Foundation
Overview of Organization
The Vermont Bar Foundation is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to justice for Vermonters. Through grantmaking, partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen the legal community, the Foundation works to ensure that individuals and families across Vermont can access the legal help they need.
A core part of the Foundation’s work is distributing funding to civil legal aid organizations and justice-focused nonprofits throughout the state. Each year, the Vermont Bar Foundation awards over $1 million in grants to organizations providing critical services related to housing stability, protection from domestic violence, consumer protection, immigration assistance, and other essential legal needs.
Much of this funding is made possible through the Foundation’s administration of Vermont’s Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program, along with philanthropic support and community partnerships. By stewarding these resources and supporting innovative justice initiatives, the Vermont Bar Foundation plays a central role in strengthening Vermont’s civil legal aid network and advancing fairness within the justice system.
The Foundation works closely with legal aid providers, courts, attorneys, and community organizations to build a more accessible and equitable legal system for all Vermonters.
Mission Area: Legal/Civil Rights/Advocacy/Crime
Size of Organization: $1M – $5M
Position Overview
The Vermont Bar Foundation (VBF) is seeking engaged and mission-driven attorneys to join its Board of Directors. The VBF is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to justice for Vermonters by funding legal aid, supporting justice-focused initiatives, and strengthening the legal community across the state.
Board members play a key leadership role in guiding the Foundation’s work. Responsibilities include helping shape strategic priorities, stewarding grantmaking that supports civil legal services and community justice initiatives, serving on committees, and acting as ambassadors for the Foundation within Vermont’s legal community.
The Board of Directors is composed of attorneys from across Vermont who are committed to advancing fairness and access to the legal system. At this time, the Foundation has three open board seats and is particularly seeking applicants who live or work in Southern and Western Vermont to help ensure strong geographic representation on the board.
Desired Skills: General Board Governance, Nonprofit Financials, Fundraising/Development, Legal, Marketing/Communications
Additional Information
Current # of Board Members: 13
Carries liability insurance?: Yes
Carries D&O liability insurance?: Yes
Time Expectations: 2 hours
Meeting Frequency: Once a quarter
Meeting Location: Remote
Length of Term (in years): 3
Financial contribution required?: No
Service on committee required?: Yes