Indiana Bar Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4.5M+ (IOLTA and Civil Legal Aid Fund combined)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by program
• Grant Range: Varies by program
• Geographic Focus: Indiana statewide

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.inbarfoundation.org/
• Phone: 317.269.2415
• Email: Available on website
• Address: 615 N. Alabama St. #426, Indianapolis, IN 46204
• IOLTA Program Contact: Michael Tranovich - (317) 269-7868

Overview

Founded in 1953, the Indiana Bar Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and leading change to improve civic education and legal assistance for all Hoosiers. The Foundation operates as the charitable arm of the Indiana legal community, distributing approximately $4.5 million annually through its IOLTA program and Civil Legal Aid Fund. With a strong financial rating from Charity Navigator (4-star, 96% overall score), the Foundation maintains an impressive 89.78% program expense ratio, ensuring most funds directly support its mission. The organization serves as a critical funding source for civil legal aid organizations throughout Indiana, helping provide legal services to low-income residents who cannot afford private attorneys.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

IOLTA Grants: $1.5M annually distributed

• Application deadline: May 1 annually
• Supports pro bono and access to justice programs
• Funds nonprofit organizations serving low-income Hoosiers

Civil Legal Aid Fund: Nearly $3M annually distributed

• Established 1997
• Supports qualifying civil legal aid organizations
• Focus on direct legal services for low-income residents

Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP)

• Helps offset student loans for lawyers in civil legal aid
• Rolling applications with specific periods
• Current period open through November 7, 2025

Scholarships

• Helling Scholarship: Young attorneys for ISBA annual meeting (Deadline: August 31)
• Phelps & Fara Scholarship: IU McKinney law students interested in family law
• Hon. Cale J. Holder Scholarship: Based on leadership, need, and achievement

Priority Areas

• Civil legal assistance for low-income Hoosiers
• Pro bono legal services programs
• Access to justice initiatives
• Civic education programs including Mock Trial and We the People
• Support for legal aid organizations and nonprofits

What They Don't Fund

• Private attorney fees
• For-profit entities
• Individual legal representation (funds go to organizations)

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Chuck Dunlap ($186,396 compensation) Board Chair: Scott Barnhart IOLTA Manager: Michael Tranovich

The Foundation emphasizes its commitment to community impact, noting that "For every $1 invested in civil legal assistance, $6.70 goes back into the community."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IOLTA Grants:

• Annual application process
• Applications due May 1 each year
• Submit to Indiana Bar Foundation
• Contact Michael Tranovich for specific requirements

Civil Legal Aid Fund:

• Application process for qualifying organizations
• Contact Foundation directly for eligibility and requirements

LRAP Program:

• Online application during open periods
• Currently accepting applications through November 7, 2025

Decision Timeline

Varies by program - IOLTA grants typically decided after May 1 deadline. Other programs have rolling or periodic review schedules.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can reapply annually for IOLTA grants. Other programs have varying reapplication policies.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's mission and funding patterns:

• Demonstrate direct service to low-income Hoosiers
• Show measurable community impact
• Align with access to justice priorities
• Provide clear metrics on client outcomes
• Document unmet legal needs in your service area
• Show collaboration with other legal service providers
• Emphasize the economic multiplier effect of legal aid services

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus on the $6.70 community return for every $1 invested - use this multiplier in your impact statements
• IOLTA grants have a fixed annual deadline of May 1 - plan accordingly
• The Foundation prioritizes direct legal services over indirect support programs
• Strong financial management is valued - the Foundation maintains excellent charity ratings
• Consider applying for multiple programs if eligible (IOLTA, Civil Legal Aid Fund, LRAP)
• Contact program managers directly for specific guidance - they have designated staff for each program
• Emphasize Indiana-specific impact and service to Hoosier communities

References

• Indiana Bar Foundation Official Website (https://www.inbarfoundation.org/) - Accessed January 2026
• Indiana Bar Foundation Civil Legal Assistance Programs (https://www.inbarfoundation.org/civil-legal-assistance/) - Accessed January 2026
• Indiana Bar Foundation IOLTA Program Information (https://www.inbarfoundation.org/iolta/) - Accessed January 2026
• GuideStar Profile for Indiana Bar Foundation (https://www.guidestar.org/profile/35-6032377) - Accessed January 2026
• Charity Navigator Rating for Indiana Bar Foundation (https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/356032377) - Accessed January 2026