Created in 2006, to commemorate Arthur Birdsall’s long tenure as the Association’s link to its vital county bar partners, the Art Birdsall Impact Grant Program seeks to assist county bar associations in implementing a specific program, project or enhancement of an existing program or projects that makes an immediate impact on the way county bar associations operate in service to their members, the courts and their community.

The program is open to all bar associations, with consideration given to those with limited needs. Its goal is to fund annually one or two grants which are consistent with the Foundation’s mission of law-related education or access to justice.

“The program was conceived to provide funding over a 10-year period,” comments Foundation President George Gvozdich, Jr., of Ebensburg. “2009 will be the second year awards have been funded. Last year, Butler County and Lawrence County received grants. Butler County Bar used the funds to underwrite reduced cost CLE for attorneys providing pro bono service through the bar’s lawyer referral program. Lawrence County used its grant towards the purchase of a laptop computer, allowing the bar to bring continuing legal education broadcasts from the Pennsylvania Bar Institute to its members while also giving the association the ability to conduct other audio/visual programming previously beyond their resources.”

A five-person grant evaluation committee comprised of Foundation members selected by Foundation President Gvozdich and Conference of County Bar Leaders Executive Committee will evaluate submissions and select recipient(s) to share in grants totaling not more than $1,000. Any unallocated funds will be carried forward to the succeeding year.

County Bar Associations interested in applying for grants funds must complete a simple three-page application. The deadline for submission is May 1, 2009. The successful applicant(s) will be notified in writing on or before June 1, and the grants will be awarded during the Annual Meeting of the Foundation Board of Directors and Members on June 3, 2009 in Pittsburgh, PA in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Click here for more information and application forms.