Project Grants

Project Grants

Geographic Scope: Michigan

Funding Focus: Innovative legal aid projects that expand access to justice and strengthen civil legal infrastructure for underserved communities

Overview: The Michigan State Bar Foundation awards project grants to support innovative initiatives from nonprofit legal aid organizations. Recent grants have supported specialized legal service expansions and technology modernization.

Recent Award Examples (2025):

Legal Aid of Western Michigan (LAWM): $33,854 for Family Foundations Project

- Expands estate planning and probate services for low-income families
- Combines pro bono estate planning clinics with direct legal representation
- Aims to preserve generational wealth and promote housing stability in western Michigan

• Michigan Community Resources (MCR): $80,000 to modernize pro bono legal referral system
- Enhances how volunteer attorneys are connected with nonprofits serving low-income communities - Introduces new digital interface and CRM integration - Streamlines volunteer management and improves legal support for Michigan's nonprofit sector

Award Criteria:

Strong history of service

Prior MSBF support preferred

Robust evaluation plan

Focus on sustainability for long-term benefits

Community-driven solutions

Recent Total Awards: $113,854 (June 2025)

Also Recent: $102,500 in Project Grants to Autism Alliance of Michigan and Justice Speaks Legal Aid (December 2025)

Contact Information:

Michigan State Bar Foundation

Michael Franck Building

306 Townsend Street

Lansing, MI 48933

Email: msbf@msbf.org

Phone: (517) 346-6400

Website: www.msbf.org