The Annual Fund

Established in 1996, the Hillsborough County Bar Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization and serves as the charitable entity working in conjunction with the Hillsborough County Bar Association. The primary mission of the Bar Foundation is to support and promote projects and programs which encourage assistance to those in our community in need of legal assistance and access to the legal system.

Recent legislative changes reducing court funding have significantly increased the need for financial support for worthwhile but now underfunded legal related programs in our community. Funding is also needed for new and innovative activities where government can not provide the resources.

The Annual Fund is the life blood of the Foundation and it was established to underwrite the programs and administrative costs of the Foundation. Significant support and contributions are made annually to the Annual Fund by members of the Foundation and Association Boards as well as from local firms and individuals Bar members. Your gift makes a difference.

The Capitol Campaign

The Foundation and Association have spent many years in preparation for this campaign and the completion of the Law Center. The $6.4 million Capital Campaign was created to provide the necessary funding for the purchase of the land and the building construction. It is planned that remaining funds will be used for an endowment. The Board began securing contributions prior to beginning the building construction to limit additional finance expenses as much as possible.

The Foundation has received a $1 Million Capital Campaign challenge gift, from The Centers and its Co-founders Leo Govoni and John Staunton, which elevates the total amount raised to date to more than $5.6 Million. Through their generosity, they have provided the Foundation with the opportunity to double the impact of their $1 Million dollar gift with a 2 to 1 match up to a cumulative aggregate amount of $1,000,000. Please consider a contribution.

Law & Liberty Dinner

Eight years ago, the Bar Foundation began hosting the Law & Liberty Dinner. This annual event has featured prominent guest speakers including Tim Russert, James Carville, Mary Matalin, former Senator Fred Thompson, former Congressman Charlie Wilson, Bob Woodward, Doris Kearns Goodwin, George Will, and Duke University Coach Mike Krzyewski. Plans are currently underway for the next Law & Liberty Dinner to be held on Thursday, May 15, 2014. Proceeds from these previous events have benefited the Bar Foundation and its charitable endeavors and have provided more than $300,000 in support and grants. Be sure to check out this years event!

The Chester H. Ferguson Law Center

The Chester H. Ferguson Law Center which opened in March 2008 provides the Hillsborough County Bar Foundation and the Bar Association with a first class facility and their first permanent location. The Law Center provides unique opportunities for the Bar membership and city and county residents. With more than 17,200 square feet, the two-story Mediterranean Revival building offers many options for the Bar Association’s educational and professional programs as well as the charitable outreach efforts of the Foundation. Its convenient location, state of the art equipment and technology, and onsite parking make it an ideal location for mediations, depositions, lectures, meetings, conferences, receptions, and other events. Stetson University College of Law Tampa campus, which is also home to Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal is located adjacent to the Law Center. To see more images of our beautiful facility or to book an event click here.

Commemorative Brick Program

Make your mark on the Chester H. Ferguson Law Center by ordering your personalized brick today. These decorative bricks which line the entry way and sidewalks provide a visible historical record and they are an excellent opportunity for you to leave your legacy, honor a colleague, memorialize a loved one, pay tribute to a someone who has made an impact on your life or career and show your support. Your tax deductible purchase of a brick(s) will help the Foundation’s Capital Campaign efforts and create an exceptional pathway for our historic law center. Click here for more information.