THE NEW HAMPSHIRE Bar Foundation plays a unique role in New Hampshire as an independent charitable foundation dedicated to justice philanthropy. During this fiscal year, we have awarded $1.4 million in grants to support legal access, education about the law, and innovation in the administration of justice. Over its 25-year history, the Foundation has granted more than $15 million.

As the New Hampshire Bar Foundation celebrates its 25^th anniversary, we are proud of our accomplishments, but the challenges to sustaining our mission are increasing. The slowing economy is heightening barriers to justice for low-income, elderly and disadvantaged people in New Hampshire. We are working hard to build an endowment and increase private support for access to justice to strengthen the justice system in New Hampshire for generations to come.

During the past year, the Bar Foundation reorganized the Fellows Program, allowing every member of the Bar to become a member or Foundation Fellow, and new giving categories were established. In the last fiscal year, Bar Foundation Fellows responded to our first-ever appeal to increase their giving, resulting in a 25 percent annual gain in gifts. Contributions are approaching record levels for the current fiscal year. We thank our members and Fellows, who have contributed so faithfully over the years. Yet, fewer than 10 percent of New Hampshire lawyers contribute to the Bar Foundation, and we encourage you to join your colleagues in becoming a member or Fellow of the New Hampshire Bar Foundation.

Also this year, New Hampshire legal service providers, including NH Legal Assistance, the Legal Advice and Referral Center, and the Bar Association’s Pro Bono Program, consolidated their fundraising efforts into one Community Campaign for Legal Services under the auspices of the Bar Foundation. This unique partnership ensures collaboration among legal services programs and streamlines the giving process. We hope that New Hampshire Bar members will put the Community Campaign for Justice first on their list of charitable contributions this year.

In this season of giving, the New Hampshire Bar Foundation extends our hearty thanks to all of you who help low-income clients through pro bono work, serve on boards and committees throughout the justice system, and those who contribute generously to improve justice for all in New Hampshire.

Best wishes for peace and justice in the new year.

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