About Us

The Foundation for Improvement of Justice is a non-profit private foundation established in 1984 with a generous endowment from Zena H. Chapman. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The majority of the endowment earnings are paid out to the winners of the Paul H. Chapman Award and the administration of the awards program (e.g. banquet, travel to awards ceremony, hotel accommodations.) The Foundation does not seek financial support or donations.

Our mission is to recognize and reward individuals and organizations whose innovative accomplishments resulted in the improvement of civil or criminal justice systems within the U.S. The Foundation for Improvement of Justice does not accept or fund grant requests.

The History

 Judson W. Chapman was an editor of the Greenville, SC newspaper in the 1940s. The newspaper expanded into other markets and media formats eventually becoming  Multimedia Corporation. Judson was compensated in part with stock which his widow, Zena Chapman, held on to following his death in 1951. Zena was a philanthropist and when she was considering a new charitable cause, her eldest son, Paul H. Chapman, suggested establishing a foundation to promote justice.

Paul envisioned an award which recognized accomplishments.  In 1984 with an endowment from his mother, Paul Chapman and his three daughters established the Foundation for Improvement of Justice. The first awards banquet was held in 1986. It was truly a family foundation in its formative years. Paul Chapman served as the Chairman of the Board for 15 years. Following Paul's death in 2001, the board voted to change the name of the awards to the "Paul H. Chapman Awards" in honor of his vision and leadership.

Today the Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of Chapman family members and non-family members. The Board members serve without financial remuneration. All share an interest in an improved U.S. justice system.

Board of Directors