Access to Justice Grants
Ensuring access to justice for all through thoughtful and targeted grantmaking around Illinois.
The Illinois Bar Foundation’s Access to Justice Grants support organizations around Illinois that provide meaningful access to the civil justice system, especially for those with limited means. Throughout its long history, the Illinois Bar Foundation has sustained and helped create many organizations that provide critical legal support to vulnerable individuals. Investing $260,000 in FY24 to support 36 organizations serving people throughout Illinois, these grants support services to those most vulnerable among us such as victims of domestic violence, families facing eviction, or asylum seekers. Our thoughtful and targeted grantmaking process is trusted by many lawyers and law firms to put their charitable dollars to good use where they are needed most.
Access to Justice Grants are awarded to support the following organizational objectives:
Enhance the availability of civil legal aid to those of limited means
Encourage pro bono legal work
Educate Illinois residents about their rights and responsibilities under the law
$260,000 Granted in FY24
Went to statewide organizations/projects
Went to projects serving people in specific geographic areas in the 2nd-5th Appellate Districts
Went to projects serving Cook County/Chicago
Spotlight
At Riverview Center, serving the far western Illinois communities of Jo Daviess and Caroll Counties with compassionate care for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, trained counselors and advocates worked as a team to meet the needs of a domestic violence survivor who showed up with their bags, in active flight from an abusive situation. In need of immediate support, Riverview Center’s staff assisted this client by providing food and essentials, helping her find and receive transportation to a safe shelter. They were able to address her legal needs including obtaining an order of protection, filing for divorce, and establishing child custody/visitation rights with help from IBF funds.
“I feel so much stronger and more confident. I didn't have a voice before because I couldn't have a voice, and now I do.”Riverview Center Client
Who Can Apply
Grantee organizations must be 501c3 non-profit organizations serving Illinois residents. All programs are expected to meet one or more of the objectives listed above.
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