Making A Difference Foundation Launched Legal Scholarship

The new award honors late general counsel Barbara Laners by supporting law students across Washington state.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Scholarships

Making A Difference Foundation Launched Legal Scholarship

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The Making A Difference Foundation has established the Barbara Laners, Esquire Scholarship to support students pursuing Juris Doctor degrees. The award aims to remove barriers for students of color and those focused on advocacy, leadership, and community service.

Why it matters

This scholarship honors the legacy of Barbara Laners, who served as the foundation's original general counsel and board member for over two decades. It continues the organization's long-standing effort to invest in Washington communities by fostering the next generation of legal leaders.

The foundation has contributed $108 million to Washington communities over the past decade. The scholarship is specifically designed for students pursuing a Juris Doctor degree.

The players

Barbara Laners

She served as the original general counsel and a long-time board member for the Making A Difference Foundation.

Making A Difference Foundation

This organization directs philanthropic funds and educational support into communities throughout Washington.

The details

The scholarship was created by the foundation board to pay tribute to Barbara Laners, who dedicated her time to the organization from 2003 until her death in 2026. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to community service and leadership in the legal field.

Barbara Laners began her service on the foundation board in 2003.
Barbara Laners died on August 18, 2026.
The foundation has provided $108 million in community funding over the past decade.

Culture Shift

This scholarship program marks a shift toward dedicated legal education support within the foundation's broader $108 million decade-long investment in Washington communities. It reflects a growing emphasis on targeted philanthropy aimed at diversifying the legal profession in the region.

Washington law students can now apply for this financial assistance to help offset the costs of earning a Juris Doctor degree. Interested candidates should monitor foundation updates for specific application deadlines and eligibility criteria.

The takeaway

The foundation's commitment to education underscores the importance of honoring institutional history through active community support. Prospective law students should keep an eye on organizational announcements to identify new avenues for funding their professional legal training.