North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc
The North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc is a public charity based in Bismarck, North Dakota. Formed in 1982, it supports legal services for people with limited means, public education about law, and legal education in North Dakota.
North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc gave $218K across 10 grants in 2024 (avg $22K), mostly in North Dakota. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $217,527
- +236.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 10
- +150.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $21,753
- +34.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $12,496
- Total assets
- $703,447
- +1.2% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- North Dakota (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
How to apply to North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 1661 Capitol Way 104Ll, Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 255-1404
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 9 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Legal Services of North Dakota ($99K across 2 grants). Together the top 9 received $218K.
Grant Size Distribution
25 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 22 grants of 25 (88%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All grant dollars reported for 2024 went to recipients in North Dakota.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 10 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc gives
- Giving grew 117% from 2021 to 2024. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990 filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $65K (2023) to $218K (2024). In 2024 it made 10 grants totaling $218K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Services of North Dakota Bismarck, ND | To Support Legal Services to the Poor | $80,000 |
| Safe Alternatives for Abused Families Devils Lake, ND | Programs and Training for Victims of Domestic Violence | $46,800 |
| Legal Services of North Dakota Bismarck, ND | For the North Dakota court improvement program - access to justic | $18,838 |
| North Dakota Domestic and Sexual Violence Coalition Bismarck, ND | Support of Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence | $17,497 |
| State Bar Association of North Dakota Bismarck, ND | To provide a stipend to the winning school of the mock trial to attend the national competition | $14,992 |
| North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Fargo, ND | To provide training in intercultural development and lgbtq+ training to law enforcement, schools and organizations. | $10,000 |
| High Plains Fair Housing Center Grand Forks, ND | Housing Discrimination Support | $10,000 |
| UND Alumni Association and Foundation Grand Forks, ND | Scholarships and stipends for law students; support for a law professorship | $8,000 |
| Children's Advocacy Centers of North Dakota Bismarck, ND | Training Videos for Children Victims | $6,000 |
| North Dakota Supreme Court Bismarck, ND | Rural Attorney Support | $5,400 |
Ready to take the next step with North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $703,447 | $300,885 | $270,774 | $217,527 | 10 | $17,747 |
| 2023 | $694,787 | $366,568 | $136,756 | $64,700 | 4 | $24,682 |
| 2022 | $491,916 | $131,182 | $187,975 | $142,200 | 5 | $15,056 |
| 2021 | $655,856 | $95,061 | $135,526 | $100,200 | 4 | $28,180 |
| 2020 | $836,033 | $139,091 | $98,371 | $64,975 | 2 | $16,134 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to advance the science of jurisprudence and promote the administration of justice and uniformity of judicial decisions in North Dakota, exclusively through educational and scientific means or purposes.
Its filing describes grants supporting legal services to the poor and public education about law, as well as scholarships and stipends for law students and support for a law professorship. Among its 2024 grantees, Legal Services of North Dakota describes its work as addressing the legal needs of vulnerable populations and providing access to justice and legal education. The State Bar Association of North Dakota says its mission is to promote justice and serve North Dakota lawyers and residents. High Plains Fair Housing Center says it works to eliminate housing discrimination and promote equal housing opportunities.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 10 grants totaling $217,527. Grants ranged from $5,400 to $80,000, with a median grant of $12,496. The largest awards included $80,000 to Legal Services of North Dakota for legal services to the poor and $46,800 to Safe Alternatives for Abused Families for domestic violence programs and training. Other grants included $18,838 to Legal Services of North Dakota for the North Dakota Court Improvement Program’s access-to-justice work, $17,497 to the North Dakota Domestic and Sexual Violence Coalition, and $14,992 to the State Bar Association of North Dakota for a stipend for the winning school in the mock trial competition to attend the national competition.
The foundation also awarded $10,000 to the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition for training, $10,000 to High Plains Fair Housing Center for housing discrimination support, $8,000 to the UND Alumni Association and Foundation for law student scholarships and stipends and support for a law professorship, $6,000 to Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota for training videos for child victims, and $5,400 to the North Dakota Supreme Court for rural attorney support. The foundation requires grant recipients to submit reports documenting use of funds for its exempt purpose.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Charles Demakis as chair. Directors listed are Lori Conroy, Robert Thomas, Leslie Oliver, Ross Sundeen, Meredith Larson, Debbie Hoffarth, Carrie Francis, Ted Sandberg, and Rebecca Binstock.
North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc is led by Charles Demakis, Chair since 2021 (on filings since 2020); none of the 11 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Charles Demakis
Chair
Director → Chair, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Leslie Oliver
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lori Conroy
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Meredith Larson
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Binstock
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert Thomas
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ross Sundeen
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carrie Francis
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Debbie Hoffarth
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ted Sandberg
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tony J. Weiler
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (4)
- Former: Jeanne Schlittenhard (2020–2023) — Business Manager
- Former: Patricia Castro (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Rick D. Johnson (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Jack McDonald (2020–2021) — Chair
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc
How much does North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc give each year?
North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc gave $218K across 10 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $65K across 4 grants.
What is North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $12,496, and its average grant was $21,753, across 10 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc give grants?
North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc gives mostly in North Dakota: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Bismarck, ND (6 grants) and Grand Forks, ND (2 grants).
Does North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 10 grants with a stated purpose on North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Legal Services of North Dakota ($98,838 across 2 grants), Safe Alternatives for Abused Families ($46,800) and North Dakota Domestic and Sexual Violence Coalition ($17,497), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 75% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc?
North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc reported $703K in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $301K.
What does North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to advance the science of jurisprudence and promote the administration of justice and uniformity of judicial decisions in North Dakota, exclusively through educational and scientific means or purposes. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc?
North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc's EIN?
North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-0369407. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Otto Bremer Trust
St. Paul, MN
The Otto Bremer Trust funds organizations and projects addressing community needs and opportunities, including health care and social services, in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. In 2025, grants ranged from $3,500 to $4.2 million, with a median of $150,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests or direct grant applications; Community Responsive Fund grants are offered through selected intermediaries.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
180
Total Given
$57.2M
Scheels All Sports Foundation
Fargo, ND
Before its dissolution in December 2024, the Scheels All Sports Foundation supported charitable organizations, with its only 2024 grant providing $278,500 for general operations to West Fargo Youth Baseball in North Dakota. Its giving varied in prior years, and it accepted contributions only to preselected organizations, not unsolicited requests.
Assets
—
Grants
1
Total Given
$279K
Trevor Project Inc
West Hollywood, CA
The mission of the Trevor Project is to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning young people.
Assets
$56.5M
Grants
8
Total Given
$118K
The Nelson Family Foundation
Bismarck, ND
The Nelson Family Foundation supports universities, conservation and ocean-protection efforts, and film festivals, with 2025 grants ranging from $750 to $110,500 and a median of $30,000. It is based in North Dakota but funded organizations across several states; it gives only to preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$6.0M
Grants
10
Total Given
$416K
Center for Science in the Public Interest
Washington, DC
CSPI funds food-policy campaigns and community partnerships focused on food, nutrition, and public health, with support for local- and state-level organizations and advocates across the United States. Its 2025 grants ranged from $12,000 to $60,000, with a median of $37,151. Its Food Policy Catalyst subgrants are described as currently open, though no application process or deadline is provided.
Assets
$41.6M
Grants
11
Total Given
$409K
Alvis Amble Charitable Trust UA Dtd
Evansville, IN
In 2025, the Alvis Amble Charitable Trust supported varied charitable programs, including education, senior care, health, and community services. It made 17 grants totaling $75,136, ranging from $2,254 to $26,298, with most funding going to North Dakota and smaller shares to Illinois and Washington, D.C. The trust gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.1M
Grants
17
Total Given
$75K
More similar funders
More Funders in North Dakota
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/north-dakota-bar-foundation-inc-morg_9f3226e0ad6b43bfab804ab18da37ac5
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_450369407_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/north-dakota-bar-foundation-inc-morg_9f3226e0ad6b43bfab804ab18da37ac5},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
North Dakota Bar Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?