Diversity Scholarship Foundation, NFP

The Diversity Scholarship Foundation, NFP (“Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code. It was established by a group of attorneys and judges committed to the ideal that diverse law school student bodies are a means of ensuring further diversification in the legal community. Although the Foundation was formally established in March 2008, the Foundation’s mission had its genesis in 2002, when 17 bar association presidents joined together for the first symbolic swearing-in and took an oath to promote the goal of advancing diversity within the Chicago legal community. In subsequent years, the number of participating associations has greatly increased, to where, today, more than 50 associations have joined together to partake in the symbolic swearing-in and pledge to support the increasing need to take concrete steps to diversify the legal community.

One of the premier fundraising events of the Foundation is the annual Unity Award Dinner, which includes an awards presentation recognizing the tireless efforts of individuals who have made significant contributions to the legal community and the community at large, including embracing diversity and the ideals diversity represents. In addition, dozens of bar associations are represented in the annual Oath of Diversity and Swearing-In of Bar Presidents. The highlight of the evening, however, is the awarding of a variety of scholarships to diverse and deserving law students from across Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. In 2019, the Foundation awarded 15 individual scholarships!

In addition to providing a variety of merit and need-based scholarships, the Foundation also provides support year-round to other organizations that share the common goal of promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Over the years, the Foundation has made donations to dozens of bar associations, charities, and community organizations. Learn more about how you can help at www.diversitychicago.org.