The Foundation’s first scholarship was awarded in 1966 in the amount of $300 and in the name of Judge Mary Bartelme.  To date, the Foundation has awarded 225 scholarships, totaling over $814,200, including ten scholarships awarded in the year 2004 totaling $49,200.  The year of 2004 marked the Foundation’s presentation of the first Chief Justice Mary Ann G. McMorrow  annual scholarship, in the amount of $3,000.  Also in 2004, the Foundation awarded its third annual public interest scholarship and third annual Esther Rothstein Scholarship.  In addition, in 2004 a Women's Bar Foundation scholarship was given in honor of Florence E. Miller, a distinguished retired trademark lawyer who has funded an annual scholarship for many years and Etha Beatrice Fox, a WBF director since 1972, secretary from 1972 to 1999, generous contributor and retired attorney.

             The Foundation derives its funds from the support of many donors, including law firms, corporations, individuals and estates.  Its major fundraising event is its annual scholarship luncheon held in the fall of each year.  In addition to honoring the year’s scholarship award recipients, the luncheon presents a nationally prominent speaker.  In 2004, we were fortunate to have Ellen Goodman, an innovative force in American journalism and best-selling author.

             The Foundation operates through the volunteer efforts of its 21-member Board of Directors and its committees, identified later in this website.  Assistance also is provided by an Honorary Council, comprised of distinguished attorneys who support the Foundation’s goals, and its Scholarship Recipients Council, comprised of past scholarship award recipients.  Having no paid staff, the Foundation encourages and welcomes volunteers.  Please consider joining us!