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 are 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 entity 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.
The Association is section 501(c)(6) under the Internal Revenue Code. Its mission 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 is committed to defend the legal and human rights of all citizens, promote the administration of justice, eradicate the root causes of racism, promote the professional and personal interest of its individual members, and preserve high standards of integrity, honor, and courtesy in the legal profession. Contributions made to the Association are not presently tax deductible. Donors dues paying members should consult their tax advisors to determine if they qualify for a business expense or other deduction.
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.