Foundation for Washington State Courts

Seattle Fundraising Reception

Our state and municipal courts are underfunded. Severely underfunded. It is a serious issue that impacts courthouse safety. The Foundation for Washington State Courts (FWSC), a 503(c)(3) is an organization dedicated to supporting the vital work and safety of our local court system.

FWSC relies on donations from individuals, attorneys, law firms, and supporting vendors (such as our mediators, court reporter services, expert services, etc.).  Please join us for our annual FWSC Seattle reception and hear King County Superior Court Judge Andrea Robertson speak about Safety in our Courthouses.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, Washington State ranked 50 out of 50 in state funding for trial courts in 2012, and little has changed. Yet jurors, witnesses, and litigants enter our courthouses, assuming their basic needs, such as security, are safeguarded. Most attorneys make the same assumption. Unfortunately, and sometimes tragically, this is not the case. Budget shortfalls leave many state and municipal courts lacking the funding to purchase or update basic security measures.

Our mission is to ensure that justice is served in an environment that is both secure and efficient, benefiting the entire community. To achieve this goal, we request your generous support in purchasing critical equipment for the court system. Over the past 5 years, we have focused on grants for courthouse safety. The grant requests come from courts across our state. Grants seek modest amounts for essential needs such as “active shooter training,” metal detectors, and security cameras.

By contributing to this cause, you will play an essential role in strengthening the effectiveness and safety of our justice system. Every donation, large or small, will directly support purchasing these crucial items. Your generosity will help create a safer and more efficient environment for judges, lawyers, court staff, and the public, ensuring that justice is not only done but is done in the most professional and secure setting possible. Together, we can ensure that the court system is equipped to face the challenges of today and the future. FWSC relies on donations from individuals, attorneys, law firms, and supporting vendors (such as our mediators, court reporter services, expert services, etc.)

Please register to attend, learn more, and support this important effort. If you cannot attend, we hope you will consider making a tax-deductible donation.

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