Discretionary Grants

Geographic Scope: Colorado

Funding Priorities: COLTAF's discretionary grants support programs that:

• Assist in providing legal services to seniors and low-income Coloradans
• Improve the delivery of legal services
• Promote knowledge and awareness of the law in the community
• Improve the administration of justice

Focus Areas:

• Legal aid for low-income populations
• Services for seniors
• Access to justice initiatives
• Legal education and community awareness
• Justice system improvements

Funding Structure:
COLTAF distributes approximately 20% of available grant funds through competitive discretionary and pro bono grant programs. Generally, 80% of grant funds go to Colorado Legal Services (the state's primary civil legal aid provider).

Recent Award Distribution (2024-2025):

• $1.15 million distributed to legal aid organizations
• Example awards ranged from $55,000 to $288,428

Eligibility:

• Organizations must serve Colorado
• Must align with COLTAF's funding purposes
• Organizations may request general support or funding for specific programs
• Current grantees must submit 2025 grant reports with their 2026 applications

Application Process

1. Initial Contact: Contact COLTAF staff before applying (recommended first step)
2. Access Application Portal: Submit applications through COLTAF's online grant portal at coltaf.org
3. Application Requirements:
   • Complete online application form
   • Current grantees must upload completed 2025 grant report as attachment
   • Organizations applying for both discretionary and pro bono funding must submit separate applications for each grant type
4. Optional Q&A Sessions: Attend "Ask Us Anything" Zoom sessions to:
   • Clarify eligibility requirements
   • Learn more about funding priorities
   • Ask questions about application process
   • Better understand reporting expectations
   • Connect directly with COLTAF staff

Required Materials

• Grant application form (submitted through online portal)
• 2025 grant report (for current grantees, as attachment)
• Separate applications if applying for both discretionary and pro bono funding

Contact Information

• Jessie Clark-Daugherty, Associate Director (general questions)
• Emily Tow (Q&A session registration)
• Email: info@coltaf.org
• Phone: 1.555.555.555