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Washington State Bar Foundation approves trustee roster, bylaws changes and $265,000 distribution to WSBA
Summary
At its annual meeting, the Washington State Bar Foundation approved a trustee roster, changes to its bylaws and a $265,000 distribution to the Washington State Bar Association to support public-service, pro bono and equity programs; trustees reported $403,463 raised through Sept. 23 and nine $5,000 community grants awarded.
The Washington State Bar Foundation approved a proposed roster of trustees, changes to its bylaws and a $265,000 distribution to the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) to support public-service, pro bono and equity programs, foundation leaders said at the foundation’s annual meeting held during the Board of Governors session.
The foundation’s president, identified in the meeting as President Anderson, told governors the foundation approved distributing $265,000 to the WSBA “in support of public service and pro bono and equity and justice programs for the calendar year, financial year 2026.” Anderson said funds raised through Sept. 23 totaled $403,463, compared with $314,695 at a prior reporting date, and that sponsorships for the biennial access-to-justice conference brought in about $63,000 this year.
The annual report the foundation filed and the treasurer’s report will be provided in writing after the fiscal year closes, Anderson said. He summarized last year’s grantmaking and fundraising work, saying the foundation had awarded nine “Powerful Communities” project grants of $5,000 each to legal aid projects across Washington — two more grants than the prior year — and helped manage scholarships and sponsorships for WSBA sections and student programs.
On governance, the foundation proposed moving Carolyn Powers from law student trustee to an at-large trustee after her recent graduation and successful July bar exam, and welcomed Nam Nguyen as a first-year governor trustee. Anderson also noted the return of Sunita and Jill Voe in roles linked to recent WSBA leadership. Governors moved to approve the trustee roster; the foundation reported the vote was unanimous.
The board also approved proposed amendments to the foundation bylaws. Anderson said the changes mostly simplify language, align terms with WSBA definitions, clarify board terms and reporting requirements, and explicitly allow former trustees to return to service on the board after a period off the board. A governor asked whether anyone wanted to discuss the bylaw changes; none were raised and the changes were approved, the chair said.
During the discussion period, a governor asked whether sanctions under Rule 11 could be directed to the foundation in court orders; the governor who raised the point (Tom) and Anderson agreed to follow up after the meeting so the foundation could explore promoting that option. Former Governor Williams Ruth urged governors to increase donations and pledged $1,000 if the board of governors reached full participation in giving by the end of the fiscal year.
Anderson said trustees held a planning retreat at Salish Lodge near Snoqualmie Falls and described a renewed vision emphasizing collaboration with WSBA, more locally focused low-bono initiatives and continued support for communities served by the Powerful Communities program.
The meeting moved on to other agenda items after the foundation’s report and votes.
Ending: The foundation’s written annual and treasurer’s reports will be circulated after the fiscal year ends, and trustees said they will continue outreach and fundraising to support WSBA programs and the foundation’s grantmaking work.
