Each year the Alabama Law foundation makes grants for law-related charitable projects. A 2006 survey of Alabama’s low-income residents found that only 16% of poor people receive assistance with their legal problems. 80% of grants are to groups that provide free civil legal aid to the poor.
GENERAL GRANTS
The grant application process begins with the submission of an online grant application. The foundation awards IOLTA grants in three categories:
- Programs that provide free legal aid to the poor in civil cases
- Projects to improve the administration of justice
- Law related education
Grants are awarded each December for the following year beginning January 1.
The 2025 Grant Cycle is now closed.
To be eligible to receive funds from the IOLTA program, an applicant must be a 501©(3) charitable organization or the project must be for a 501©(3) eligible purpose. The foundation does not accept grant applications from individuals.
The foundation will only award grants for the provision of legal aid to the poor to programs that provide services to individual clients or families at or below 125% of federal poverty level.
Committees and Task Forces of the Alabama State Bar must have the approval of the Board of Bar Commissioners prior to submission of a grant application.4:3
FORECLOSURE PREVENTION GRANTS
In 2016 the Alabama Law Foundation received $3.3 million as part of a nationwide mortgage foreclosure settlement between the Bank of America and the United States Department of Justice. Each year, the foundation awards a portion of these funds to civil legal aid organizations to provide legal services to help Alabama homeowners avoid losing their homes to foreclosure.
During the 2025 Grant Cycle, the Alabama Law Foundation will accept proposals for projects that provide civil legal aid to low-income Alabamians in foreclosure prevention work.
The 2025 Grant Cycle for Foreclosure Prevention Grants is now closed.