The Ohio State Bar Foundation Board of Trustees recently approved $559,000 in grants to several
non-profit organizations that promote civics and law.

The board approved a grant in the amount of $123,000 awarded to the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education for civics-education programs, which focus on teacher training and outreach to expand student engagement in underserved communities throughout the state.

A grant in the amount of $120,000 was awarded to the Ohio Judicial Center Foundation for the Legacy of Law: Women in Law project, supporting the development of an exhibit to honor the contributions of the women who have served as Ohio Supreme Court justices and inspire future generations.

“These grants are a powerful investment in a more just and accessible legal system,” said Laurie Beth Sweeney, executive director of the foundation. “From helping students envision legal careers to protecting workers’ rights and honoring trailblazing women in law, our grantees are bringing the law closer to the people it’s meant to serve.”

Locally, the foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to addiction recovery-ministry The Refuge to expand access to legal services for the individuals it serves in Franklin and Fairfield counties.

According to a news release, the project’s intent is to integrate legal support addressing housing, licensing and family law issues into the client-intake process.

Other statewide grant awards included a $53,000 grant to the Ohio State Bar Association for its Hometown Lawyers Interactive Map, which highlights stories of rural legal professionals through video content meant to inspire students to pursue legal careers, as well as a $50,000 grant to Ohio Alliance of YMCAs Foundation for YMCA Ohio Youth & Government program.

“(The foundation) is proud to lead the way in advancing community-driven solutions across Ohio,” Sweeney said.