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Illinois JusticeCorps

Illinois Bar Foundation

Foundation Annual Poverty Alleviation GrantsHuman & Social Service Grants
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Illinois JusticeCorps

Overview: AmeriCorps-based program placing fellows in courthouses across Illinois to bridge the gap in civil legal aid by serving as liaisons between self-represented litigants and the court system.

Program Structure:

  • Operates under AmeriCorps and the Illinois Bar Foundation

  • Places fellows in courthouses around the state

  • Both full-time fellows and volunteer positions (as-needed basis)

  • Fellows are trained, dedicated public servants

    • What Fellows Do:

  • Help self-represented litigants navigate civil legal cases

  • Guide individuals through filing legal documents

  • Provide instructions for attending remote court hearings

  • Offer legal information to the general public

  • Assist with orders of protection, eviction relief, motions to vacate

  • Help elderly community members, individuals with language barriers, and working families

  • Lighten load for court staff and reduce delays

    • Focus Areas:

  • Civil legal cases (divorce, child custody, eviction, restraining orders)

  • Assistance for unhoused individuals

  • People with mental health concerns

  • People living in poverty

  • Students

  • Non-English speakers

    • Key Information:

  • AmeriCorps funding terminated June 2025

  • Program has been in operation for over a decade

  • Members prepare for legal careers

  • Serves thousands of people annually

  • Unique role in local courthouses

  • Members receive AmeriCorps education awards for service

  • Current Status (as of June 2025): AmeriCorps funding abruptly terminated mid-year, disrupting program operations statewide

    • Funders/Partners:

  • AmeriCorps

  • Serve Illinois Commission

  • Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice

  • Dunham Foundation

    • Contact Information:

  • Illinois Bar Foundation

  • 20 South Clark, Suite 810

  • Chicago, IL 60603

  • Phone: 312.726.6072

  • Email: IBFInfo@illinoisbarfoundation.org

    • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    poverty-alleviationhuman-services

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