The Baltimore County Bar Foundation is a separately incorporated 501(c)(3) entity serving as the fundraising arm of the Baltimore County Bar Association. Its primary mission is to uphold and promote the honor and integrity of the legal profession, support improvements in the administration of justice, and enhance public understanding of legal principles. It also focuses on promoting legal research and education, while working to improve the public image of lawyers through outreach and community service.
The Foundation offers financial support to non-profit programs and organizations that are significantly tied to the Baltimore area community. Funding is targeted toward initiatives that contribute to the enhancement of justice administration, provide legal services to individuals who face barriers in accessing legal aid, educate the general public—including students in primary and secondary schools—on legal systems, or foster community trust in the legal profession through service-oriented outreach by lawyers.
Applications for funding are reviewed during three meetings held annually by the Foundation. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis and are considered at the next scheduled meeting following receipt. While the exact schedule of meetings is not publicly detailed, applicants are encouraged to submit completed applications promptly to ensure timely consideration. Applications must be submitted physically via mail to the Foundation’s office located at 100 County Courts Building, 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, Maryland 21204.
The Foundation does not specify a fixed award amount, number of awards, or a funding ceiling/floor. Likewise, the application form is not available for download through the source material and no specific questions or document requirements are detailed. Matching requirements are not mentioned and should be verified directly with the Foundation.
Eligible applicants are limited to non-profit organizations with demonstrable service connections to the Baltimore area. Projects must align with the Foundation’s objectives and demonstrate meaningful potential to benefit the local community through legal education, access to justice, or public outreach. For further details or questions regarding the application process, applicants may contact the Bar Office at 410-337-9103 or via email at rruocco@bcba.org.
The funding opportunity remains open throughout the year with no posted deadline, suggesting its ongoing and rolling nature. However, as the Foundation reviews applications only three times annually, applicants should plan for potential delays between submission and funding decisions.
