Austin Bar Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a "fellow" of the Austin Bar Foundation?
A person becomes a ABF Fellow by invitation only. During the first year of the ABF's existence, all Austin Bar members in good standing were invited to become Founding Fellows. Thereafter, a limited number of deserving Austin Bar members will be invited to become ABF Fellows annually.
What is the difference between a Fellow and Life Fellow?
A "Fellow" is a person who has pledged to contribute $1500 to the ABF over a 10 year period, but has not completed payment of the pledge in full. A "Life Fellow" is a person who has completed payment of their $1500 pledge. "Founding Fellows" and "Founding Life Fellows" are persons who made their $1500 pledges during the first year of the ABF's existence.
Where does ABF get its funding?
ABF develops funding from the Fellows Program, the Annual Gala (January), Planned Giving, and through the establishment of Memorial Funds with gifts in wills, insurance policies, and appreciated stock.
How will ABF determine how to spend the money it raises?
The ABF will adopt a budget and spending policies consistent with the mission and specific objectives of the organization and as advised by its financial advisors in relation to the maintenance of the corpus of the foundation. Specific decisions regarding usage of ABF funds will be made by the ABF Board, which is comprised of the five current Austin Bar officers and four at-large directors. The initial strategic plan provides for the building of a foundation corpus that will provide sustainable support for current programs with the hope of expanding the ability to support more programs in the future that fall within the ABF mission.
Are there any specific programs that ABF intends to support?
Yes, ABF intends to continue to support Volunteer Legal Services, People's Law School, the Hunger Relief Project, as well as other law-related charitable and educational programs in the future.
What benefits do I receive from becoming a ABF Fellow?
The benefits include receiving a certificate, recognition at the Annual Gala, acknowledgement in the Austin Lawyer, permanent recognition on a plaque at the ABF Office for Founding Fellows, and a 501(c)(3) tax deduction for the contribution.
Is the purpose of the ABF to build a building for ABF?
No, the purpose of the Foundation is to support and expand the provision of legal related charitable and educational programs and services in Central Texas.
Is there a plan for the ABF to purchase a building to house Austin Bar?
The concept of having the ABF purchase a building that would be leased to the Austin Bar has been discussed. Several other local bar foundations in our region have acquired or built buildings which house their bar associations. Although, there are no immediate plans for the ABF to purchase a building, the funding for such a project would be accomplished through a separate capital campaign. Funds raised through the Gala, Fellows program, and Austin Bar dues check-off would not be used to purchase a building.
To join the Austin Bar Foundation, please contact
the Austin Bar Association office at 472-0279.
