What is the difference between the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association and the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation?

In 2014, after thorough analysis, the membership and the Board of Directors of the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association voted to support creating a second organization and increasing our political and civic voice in the San Diego community.  As a result, we will have The Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association and the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation, which will be two separate corporate entities.  Although many people will be members of both organizations, it is legally necessary that two separate organizations exist to protect and identify the tax status of both organizations and to adequately serve the interests of San Diego County’s African American community.  Further, there are certain activities that must be carried out by one association and not the other.

Donors will be able to contribute either to the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association, the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation, or both.  Any gift or contribution to either association will be utilized to support, promote and defend the interests of San Diego County’s African American Community. Each organization may only apply funds contributed to it to accomplish its specific mission or purpose.

It is anticipated that the transition to two organizations will be complete by early 2015, the following describes the missions of the two organizations once the transition is complete.

The Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association

The mission of the Association is to advance the legal, economic, social, educational, and political interests of African American lawyers and of the African American community. It will provide leadership on political and civic issues, make decisions on endorsing candidates for political and judicial office, and provide support or opposition on issues of important across the community.  The Association has an intentionally broad mission that focuses both on the African American legal community and on issues like education, equality, and empowerment that are important across all sectors of our community. Contributions made to the Association are not presently tax deductible. The Association is in the process of applying for recognition under section 501c(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Donors should consult their tax advisors to determine if they qualify for a business expense or other deduction.

The Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and its mission is to represent the interests of the African-American legal community in San Diego County.  The Foundation exists primarily to provide support for diversifying the legal community, which currently includes scholarships for law students and support for law students and African American legal professionals in growing as attorneys, obtaining and maintaining employment, developing private practice as sole practitioners or partners within law firms, advancing in public sector employment, and related efforts.

Gifts made to the Foundation are tax-deductible.

To learn more about the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association and to become a member, please e-mail its Interim President, Dennis W. Dawson, at atty.denniswdawson@gmail.com. To learn more about the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation and to make a tax-deductible gift or contribution, click here.