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 $245,000 in FY22 to support 33 organizations 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
$245,000 Granted in FY21
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
Prairie State Legal Services provides equal access to justice for all individuals by helping low income individuals and seniors over 60 address their serious civil legal issues in the 36 northernmost counties in Illinois.
“I am so surprised and grateful services were available during the pandemic. I was relieved to learn that I could not be forced out during the pandemic and would not have an eviction on my record.”Prairie State Legal Services 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.
Learn More
We are proud to have served approximately 52,000 individuals throughout Illinois this year through our access to justice and lawyers care programs and hope to serve many more with your continued support. Donate today to help your neighbors throughout Illinois receive assistance for basic needs such as housing, safety, education and accessibility to legal resources this holiday season.
Your gift helps provide funding for organizations across the state working with vulnerable populations, to ensure they receive the legal support and resources they so desperately need, and to support attorneys and their families during times of crisis.