Grants
The Multnomah Bar Foundation awards grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations whose programs are aligned with the goals of the Civic Education Fund (formerly the MBA 100th Anniversary Community Gift Fund) to advance civic education and engagement and enhance public understanding of the justice system. Made possible by the generous support of the legal community, the MBF has given over $240,000 in 44 grants to local nonprofits.
MBF Awards $44,000 to Nine Portland Area Nonprofits
Bus Project Foundation was awarded $8,000 for its Democracy Cup program that engages young professional mentors to teach high school students about civic participation and voting, creates student teams to reach out to peers, family and neighbors and challenges the teams in a regional competition to register thousands to vote.
City Club of Portland was granted
$2,500 for a Civic Education Award to recognize excellence in individuals,
student groups and organizations or collaborations of organizations that
promote civic and political knowledge and skills, teach civic values, present
an innovative approach to civic engagement and address the opportunity gap at
the high school level.
Classroom Law Project received $10,000 to
expand its Mock Trial and We the People programs. Elementary,
middle and high school students will spend at least a month studying the US
Constitution or a trial and will learn about current issues' connections to
constitutional principles.
Elders in Action was granted $8,000 for
Basics of Civics 101, which will
teach the fundamentals of civics and regional government and provide older
adults with opportunities for volunteer civic engagement. This is an expansion
of their Speaker's Bureau Program and will reach people age 60+ in underserved
communities.
League of Women Voters of Portland was
granted $4,000 to produce The General
Welfare, a free, current, monthly program with expert panelists examining
the legal, political, economic and social aspects of various general civic
issues. Meetings will be open to the public and shared statewide via TV, web
streaming and YouTube.
MetroEast Community Media was awarded $4,000
to produce the final two episodes in its Legal
Logic series, a public affairs show that will foster an increased
understanding of the judiciary. Topics may include new developments like
e-court and legal cases that have shaped society. The program will reach
350,000 households through cable, on-demand and KZME radio.
Northwest Family Services was granted $2,500
for its Four Cities Peer Court
program, a community partnership involving, supporting and educating youth
about restorative justice through a combined effort of peer attorneys and jury
members, volunteer attorneys and local police. Teen leadership and skill
development are promoted as young people learn about the justice system from
legal professionals in a hands-on program that endeavors to help teens in
trouble.
Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees
received $4,000 for its Voter Education
Project, a series of free, monthly classes that teach low-income, newly
naturalized citizens about the democratic process and empower them with the
practical skills and knowledge of the voting system to allow for full
integration, meaningful civic participation and voter engagement.
YOUthFILM Project was awarded $1,000 for
the annual Law Day-themed student filmmaking contest, Realizing the Dream: Equality for All. Through the creativity of film, K-12 students
learn about civic involvement and the law. Grant funding helps with marketing
and outreach, equipment and production advice, mentorship opportunities and the
awards ceremony and reception.
For more information, contact Pamela Hubbs at 503.222.3275.
MBF Grants History
Select a link below to view photos and a summary of grants given.
Grants 2010
Grants 2009
Grants 2006 - 2008
