Organization:
Vermont Bar Foundation
Posted: March 12, 2026
Organization Description
Organization Overview
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.
Board Member Position Overview
The Vermont Bar Foundation is seeking engaged and mission-driven attorneys to join its Board of Directors. Board members help guide the strategic direction of the Foundation, support its grantmaking work, and serve as ambassadors for the organization within Vermont’s legal community.
Board members participate in regular board meetings, serve on committees, and contribute their expertise to help strengthen access to justice initiatives across the state. This is an opportunity to work alongside a collaborative group of legal leaders committed to ensuring that all Vermonters can access the legal help they need.
The Foundation currently has three open board seats and is particularly seeking attorneys who live or work in Southern and Western Vermont in order to strengthen geographic representation on the board.
Eligibility
Applicants must be licensed attorneys in Vermont and in good standing with the Vermont bar.
Attorneys interested in contributing their time and leadership to advancing access to justice in Vermont are encouraged to apply.
Organization's Approach to Diversity, Equity, Belonging, & Inclusion
The Vermont Bar Foundation is committed to advancing diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion within Vermont’s justice system and within our own leadership. Our grantmaking prioritizes organizations that serve historically underserved and marginalized communities, including programs focused on housing stability, survivors of domestic and sexual violence, immigrant communities, and individuals facing systemic barriers to legal representation.
We also work to ensure that our board and committees reflect the geographic, professional, and experiential diversity of Vermont’s legal community. Recent board recruitment efforts have intentionally expanded outreach to statewide networks and affinity organizations to broaden participation and representation.
In addition, the Foundation supports initiatives and partnerships that strengthen equity within the legal profession and improve access to justice for all Vermonters, recognizing that a fair legal system depends on inclusive leadership and community engagement.
Board Terms and Term Limits
3 years, can serve a total of 2 terms.
Frequency & Duration of Board Meetings
Quarterly full board meetings (1.5 hours), Committee meetings monthly (1 hour)
Stipends for Board Membership
No
If Interested, Send Letter of Interest to the Following Point of Contact:
Hannah King
Point of Contact Email
hannah@vtbarfoundation.org
