Open Door Fund and Fellowship

The NCBA+NCBF are committed to recognizing, respecting, promoting and encouraging diversity in the legal community.

The NCBF Open Door Fund and Fellowship demonstrate our ongoing commitment to address inequities in access to legal services and participation in the legal profession experienced by historically excluded or disadvantaged individuals and communities in North Carolina. The NCBF Open Door Fund advances diversity, equity and inclusion through NCBA+NCBF programming, including the Open Door Fellowship program launched in 2023. The Open Door Fellowship signals a collective commitment and desire to welcome all who want to serve the people of North Carolina through the legal profession.

Meet the 2024 NCBF Open Door Fellows Darius Alexander + April Franklin

Meet the 2023 NCBF Open Door Fellows Tavaria Smith + Zi Zhou

The Open Door Fund of the NCBF Endowment is made possible through the generous support of law firms, legal organizations, corporations and individuals across North Carolina.

Lend your support the NCBF Open Door Fund as a Champion for Change, Advocate or Benefactor – contact us at [email protected].

$100,000 | Open Door Champions for Change

Recognition as an NCBF Open Door Fellowship presenting sponsor for 5 years; Recognition through NCBF Impact Report, website and social media; Opportunity to name two NCBF Endowment Justice Funds; and Special invitations to participate in NCBF diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

$50,000 | Open Door Advocates

Recognition through NCBF Impact Report, website and social media; Opportunity to name an NCBF Endowment Justice Fund; and Special invitations to participate in NCBF diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

$25,000 | Open Door Benefactors

Recognition through NCBF Impact Report, website and social media; Opportunity to name an NCBF Lawyer Impact Fund; and Special invitations to participate in NCBF diversity, equity and inclusion programs.