Impact Grants Program:

The York County Bar Foundation (YCBF) is seeking proposals from interested organizations for innovative law-related programs/projects which serve the York County community by:

• Increasing access to justice for all people, particularly those struggling with poverty and abuse;
• Improve the administration of justice;
• Promote public understanding of and respect for the law;
• Encourage careers and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession;
• Improve the quality of life for York Countians through support for law-related community initiatives.

YCBF is interested in proposals for early-stage programs/projects with the potential for real impact or proposals which seek to improve the effectiveness of existing programs/projects. Focus on legal and justice programs which positively impact Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Preference will be given to organizations committed to DEI.

In special cases, consideration may be given to community quality of life initiatives of particular interest to the Bar and operating support for start-up costs for new programs provided the program meets the grant criteria. YCBF will not consider proposals for annual operating expenses.

Henry Lenz Memorial Fund Grants Program: 

The York County Bar Foundation (YCBF) is seeking proposals from interested organizations for innovative law-related programs/projects which serve to improve the circumstances of children who become subject to the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system of York County. YCBF is interested in proposals for early stage programs/projects with the potential for real impact or proposals which seek to improve the effectiveness of existing programs/projects proposals dealing with juveniles or juvenile delinquency.  Such programs may include but are not limited to:

• The provision of items of social and cultural benefit beyond the necessaries required to be supplied by the County for children under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court of the York County Court of Common Pleas
• Provide for special needs of children of York County who are under commitment by the Juvenile Court of the York County Court of Common Pleas for treatment, supervision, or rehabilitation that would not be the responsibility of the County and are beyond the ability of the parent or other person responsible for the child’s maintenance to provide;
• Support for children who have demonstrated desire and reasonable ability for education beyond high school.

NOTE: “Children” shall include all children who have been or shall be referred to the Juvenile Probation Office or York County Children and Families having been found delinquent, neglected or dependent children, until they be discharged from the jurisdiction of the Court, or shall no longer be subject thereto by reason of having attained the age of 21 years, whichever is earlier. In special cases, consideration may be given to community quality of life initiatives of particular interest to the Bar and operating support for start-up costs for new programs provided the program meets the grant criteria. YCBF will not consider proposals for annual operating expenses.

What is the process to apply for funding? Proposals may be summitted for early consideration at any time thru August 19, 2022. For consideration in 2022, the deadline is 12:00 Noon on Friday, August 19, at York County Bar Foundation, 137 East Market Street, York PA 17401 or by email to victoria.connor@yorkbar.com.

Following review of proposals by the YCBF Lenz Fund Advisory and Grants Committees, those submitting proposals will be notified by September 1 of our decision to invite full grant applications.  Full grant applications are due no later than September 30.

How much funding is available? The YCBF anticipates that up to approximately $20,000 will be available for Impact programs/projects and  $100,000 for Lenz Fund projects, not otherwise receiving YCBF funding. Selected grants will be funded from the total allotment available.

Proposals (no more than 2 pages) should include:

• A summary of the program / project and how it addresses YCBF's funding interests
• Program / project leadership and partners
• Estimated cost and other funders
• How the program / project will be sustained after initial funding

Questions? Contact Victoria Connor, CEO, York County Bar Foundation, at 717.854.8755 (ext. 206) or victoria.connor@yorkbar.com.