How to Apply

CY 2027 Annual Grant Cycle
The Lawyers Trust Fund is now accepting applications for annual grants for CY 2027 (January 1 – December 31, 2027). Applications are due on September 15, 2026, and grant awards will be announced in mid-December 2026.

Annual Grant Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria
Entities interested in applying for an Annual Grant are encouraged to carefully read LTF’s Annual Grant guidelines, which include the eligibility criteria for an LTF grant

Waiver of Attorney Staffing Requirement
Emerging organizations or legal aid programs based in under-resourced communities may request a temporary, one-year waiver of the Attorney Staffing Requirement from the LTF board through the process described in Part I of the guidelines. Waiver decisions will be granted based on multiple factors and at the sole discretion of the LTF board of directors.

How to Apply for a Grant
Interested organizations must use LTF’s online grants portal to apply for an annual grant. New applicants must register as new users and will need approval from LTF before accessing the online application.

Information Sessions
LTF will hold four sessions via Zoom to provide information about LTF grants and the application process. Both current grantees and prospective new applicants are welcome to participate, but participation is optional. To register for a session, send a request in advance via email. The sessions are scheduled for the following dates:

  • July 16 at 10:00am – New applicant information session (This session will explain LTF’s grant guidelines, eligibility criteria, and factors in grant awards)
  • July 28 at 2:00pm – General grant application information session
  • July 30 at 2:00pm – New applicant information session (Repeats content of July 16 session)
  • August 5 at 10:00am – General grant application information session (Repeats content of July 28 session)

Applicant Support
Quick links to the guidelines, user guide, data collection instructions, and other materials are available on the Applicant Support webpage.

If you have questions about completing the application and supplying the requested data, please contact Deputy Executive Director for Grants & Legal Affairs David Holtermann at 312-938-3076 or via email; or Program Officer for Legal Services Nebula Li at 312-938-2106 or via email.

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