February 2018 Edition
We had fun connecting with many of you at the SC Bar Convention and getting to show you the hard work of our grantees.

In 2017 we saw our grantees hit some major milestones. Sistercare helped 8,093 new domestic violence survivors and their children through their shelter and community based programs; Transitions held 4 Homeless Court sessions and 12 more cases are approved for the court; and Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services had over 2,200 in-house volunteer hours donated.

We appreciate all of the support from our donors who continue to help us build a Foundation for Justice! We hope you will join us in that mission today!

- Megan, Marisa & Ashley, Your SCBF Staff

Foundation Focus: 
2017 DuRant Distinguished Public Service Award 
We were honored to recognize Elizabeth Van Doren Gray as our 2017 DuRant Distinguished Public Service Award winner at the 2018 Convention in Kiawah Island. This award is one of the most prestigious statewide honors that members of the SC Bar can bestow on a fellow attorney.  

Ms. Gray is an accomplished litigator at Sowell Gray Robinson ; her  practice includes commercial litigation, probate and estate litigation, professional liability and ethics, and securities and FINRA. 

In addition to being a gifted attorney, Ms. Gray has received many accolades for her service to the legal community. She was selected to be the second woman president of the South Carolina Bar. She received the 2016 Fellows Award presented by the National Conference of Bar Presidents. She has also been the recipient of the South Carolina Lawyers Weekly Leadership in Law Award, the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association Jean Galloway Bissell Award, and the TWIN Award from the Palmetto Center for Women.

Congratulations Betsy on this well deserved recognition! 

FY19 Foundation Grant Applications
Our FY19 grant application is now live!  The goal of the Foundation is to provide grants to organizations in these three categories:

1. Civil legal services to indigents in South Carolina;
2. Law related education to the public in South Carolina and
3. Administration of justice in South Carolina.
 
For more information or to apply, click here. Applications are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, March 23.  To see a list of our current grantees click here. 

YLD Oyster Roast and Wine Pull
During the 2018 YLD Oyster Roast, the YLD Bar Foundation Committee conducted their 3rd Annual South Carolina Bar Foundation Wine Pull and Raffle.  The Foundation received  $1,450 in donations thanks to the support of everyone who purchased wine and a raffle ticket. We hope you enjoyed the wine!

Thank you to all firms and individuals that donated wine and raffle prizes for the event. We would not have been able to host such a successful event without your generous donations! 

Historical Society 
If you are looking to become more familiar with South Carolina's fascinating legal history, consider joining the Historical Society! You will enjoy sponsored events, published works associated with specific events or subject matters and an e-publication for members only. Become a member today >>
Grantee Focus: South Carolina Legal Services 
South Carolina Legal Services has been one of the Foundation's grantees for almost 30 years. They provide  free legal services in a wide variety of civil (non-criminal) legal matters to eligible low income residents of South Carolina.

In recognition of 50 years of providing legal help to those in need, SC Legal Services is hosting a Golden 50th Celebration on February 15, 2018 at the University of South Carolina School of Law. The event will feature a FREE Ethics CLE by distinguished judiciary, followed by a reception.  Click here to register! 
Bank Focus: Benchmark Institutions 
A number of participating banks and credit unions pay interest rates on IOLTA funds that go above and beyond the Court Rule 412's basic requirements. Please consider our prime partners for all of your banking needs. 


These institutions pay interest on IOLTA accounts based on an index rate equal to 65% of the Federal Funds Target Rate or .65%, whichever is higher.

By banking with these institutions or requesting your bank become prime partner or eligible institution, you are helping the Foundation provide needed funds to nonprofits around the state. 
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