IOLTA Grants (Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts)

IOLTA Grants Program

The Rhode Island Bar Foundation IOLTA program makes significant grants to organizations providing legal services and supporting the justice system in Rhode Island. Since its inception, the IOLTA fund has allocated millions of dollars to Rhode Island organizations.

Geographic Scope: Rhode Island organizations only

Focus Areas: The IOLTA program makes grants in four main areas:

1. Providing legal services to the poor in Rhode Island - Funding for organizations delivering legal assistance to low-income individuals
2. Improving the delivery of legal services - Grants to enhance and expand access to legal services
3. Promoting knowledge and awareness of the law - Funding for legal education and public awareness initiatives
4. Improving the administration of justice - Grants to strengthen the justice system and court operations

Award Details:

• Award Range: $10,000 - $794,000
• Typical Grants: Currently range from $10,000 to $794,000
• Recurrence: Annual
• Total Program Impact: Millions of dollars allocated since inception

Eligible Organizations:

• Nonprofit organizations
• Legal aid organizations
• Court improvement programs
• Public interest law organizations
• Legal education nonprofits
• Organizations serving low-income communities
• Organizations supporting access to justice

Contact Information:

• Organization: Rhode Island Bar Foundation
• Program Director: Theresa Gallo
• Phone: 401-421-6541
• Email: tgallo@ribar.com
• Main Phone: 401-421-5740
• Address: 41 Sharpe Dr. Cranston, RI 02920
• Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

How to Apply

1. Download Application Materials:
   • IOLTA Grant Application and Criteria
   • Notice of Certification of Compliance Form for IOLTA
2. Review Eligibility and Criteria: Carefully review grant criteria and focus areas
3. Prepare Application:
   • Complete the grant application form
   • Demonstrate organizational mission and impact
   • Show how project aligns with IOLTA focus areas:
   • Legal services to the poor
   • Improved legal service delivery
   • Legal knowledge and awareness
   • Justice system improvement
   • Provide budget and financial information
   • Include supporting documentation
4. Certification of Compliance: Complete and submit the Notice of Certification of Compliance Form
5. Submit Application: Submit all materials according to deadline (contact for specific dates)

Application Components:

• Grant application form
• Project description and goals
• Organization background and experience
• Budget and financial information
• Organizational policies and procedures
• Certification of compliance
• Supporting documentation

Selection Criteria:

• Alignment with IOLTA focus areas
• Demonstrated need and impact
• Organizational capacity
• Budget appropriateness
• Compliance with certification requirements

Contact for Questions:

• Theresa Gallo, Bar Foundation Program Director
• Phone: 401-421-6541
• Email: tgallo@ribar.com