Vermont Bar Foundation

The Vermont Bar Foundation (VBF) is the only foundation in Vermont exclusively dedicated to advancing access to justice. For over 40 years, we’ve been supporting legal aid organizations, law school clinics, domestic violence prevention programs, and other initiatives that improve access to civil legal services for low-income, underserved, and marginalized Vermonters. Our primary funding comes from Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA), an innovative program that pools interest from lawyers’ trust accounts to fund legal services—at no cost to taxpayers. Since 1982, we’ve raised and distributed over $27 million to more than 60 organizations, helping thousands of Vermonters navigate critical legal issues. We are proud to support the Poverty Law Fellowship, a prestigious two-year program for early-career attorneys who tackle complex justice challenges. Our Fellows have made a lasting impact on Vermont families and communities by improving access to legal protections and support. In October 2022, we celebrated our 40th anniversary and reflected on the $11 return on investment generated for every dollar spent on low-income legal services. We’ve continued to rise to the challenge, especially as the demand for equitable legal access has surged post-COVID-19. Our Board of Directors, committee members, and Executive Director are committed to maintaining fiscal responsibility, securing resources, and delivering impactful programs that empower Vermonters to understand their legal rights and seek justice. We’re excited about the future and invite you to join us. Whether through advocacy, donations, or partnerships, you can be part of our mission to create meaningful, lasting change across Vermont. Together, we can make a difference.