How much funding does IOLTA Grants Program provide?

IOLTA Grants Program provides Approximately $6 million - $6.7 million in funding.

When is the deadline for IOLTA Grants Program?

The deadline is March 21, 2027.

IOLTA Grants Program

Foundation Annual Grants for Nonprofits Housing Grants for Nonprofits Grants for Immigration Nonprofits Domestic Violence Grants

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Funding Amount

Approximately $6 million - $6.7 million

Deadline

March 21, 2027

347 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

IOLTA Grants Program

Overview: The Massachusetts Bar Foundation's IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts) Grants Program is the cornerstone of the MBF's mission of promoting equitable access to the justice system. The program distributes IOLTA funds to civil legal aid organizations serving low-income Massachusetts residents.

History: The MBF has served as a steward of IOLTA funding since 1987.

Geographic Scope: Massachusetts only

Funding:

2025/2026 award: $6.7 million to 93 organizations (record-breaking amount)

2024/2025 award: $4.8 million to 82 organizations

Expected 2026/2027 award: Approximately $6 million

Focus Areas:

Housing

Immigration

Domestic violence

Education advocacy

Healthcare advocacy

Court-connected mediation

Conciliation

Lawyer for the day programs

Improving the administration of justice

Eligibility:

Nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) organizations receive priority, though other nonprofit organizations with charitable programs may apply)

Legal service and law-related agencies

Various nonprofit organizations across Massachusetts

Must be a Massachusetts organization

No funding to individuals

Must provide civil (not criminal) legal services to low-income clients or improve the administration of justice

What They Don't Fund:

Fundraising activities related to political campaigns

Endowment campaigns

Scholarship campaigns

Capital campaigns

Contact:

Phone: (617) 338-0500

Address: Massachusetts Bar Foundation, 20 West Street, Boston, MA 02111

Email: foundation@massbar.org

Grant Review Process:

Over 80 MBF Fellows volunteer annually to review applications

Multi-step process involving regional and subject matter committees

Site visits conducted by regional committee members

Two rounds of review: regional and subject matter

How to Apply

Application Process

Portal: All applications must be submitted via the online application portal at massbarfoundation.org/grants

Important Notes:

New applicants MUST contact the MBF Grants Office to discuss their proposal prior to submission

Save log-on credentials upon creation (needed for future access to the portal and reporting)

Key Steps:
1. Review the MBF's Grant Funding Priorities Statement before applying
2. Review full eligibility guidelines
3. Access the application portal and click the blue "Apply" button
4. For new applicants: Follow instructions to create unique log-on credentials
5. Complete application submission

Previous Deadline (2025/2026): March 21, 2025

Application Components: (Based on eligibility requirements and general application practices, though specific form fields not detailed in provided text)

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