Thank for your interest in donating to the Chester County Bar Foundation! The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) designated charity organization, registered with both the IRS and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations (BCO). Your donation is tax deductible and will go toward a community program as described below.

Law Related Education

Since 1988, the Foundation has funded a program where Chester County attorneys donate their time to go into both elementary and secondary classrooms to teach students about the law. In its first 10 years, over 20,000 students have been educated in grades 2 through 12.

People’s Law School

Adults frequently find themselves in situations where some knowledge of their rights under the law is essential. The Bar Foundation has historically funded the People’s Law School, which educates adults on different areas of the law including wills and estates, business law, family law, real estate law, etc.

The Chester County Guide for Senior Citizens and Their Families

The Bar Foundation, in collaboration with local businesses and foundations, funded The Chester County Guide for Senior Citizens and Their Families. This guide is designed to provide practical advice and solutions to the elderly on a variety of issues including financial planning, housing, estate planning, etc. It is also a resource guide to the multitude of government services available to our increasing elderly population.

The Charles E. Swope Scholarship

The Foundation scholarship was established in 1992 to provide financial assistance for post-high school education in law or law related fields. Scholarship applicants must have demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding community citizenship.

Matching Grant Program

As part of the annual scholarship award, recipients are given the opportunity to help choose a charity to which the Foundation will award a grant that matches the scholarship amount. Groups eligible to receive the grant include Community Impact Legal Services, the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Domestic Violence Center of Chester County and Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Access to Justice Program

Many hard working Chester County residents earn too much to qualify for a free Legal Aid lawyer, yet cannot afford the high cost of hiring a private attorney. The members of the Chester County Bar Foundation along with the Chester County Bar Associationa recognize this challenge and offer a solution with the Access to Justice program. The Chester County Bar Association is the only bar association in the state with this unique program.

Making a Donation

Please contact the Chester County Bar Foundation at 610.692.1889 to inquire about contributing to a worthy cause.