Family Violence Justice Fund Grant Program

The Family Violence Justice Fund Grant was established in 1999 by the State of Colorado to enhance the accessibility and availability of legal assistance for victims of family violence. Administered by the Financial Services Division of the Colorado Judicial Branch, this grant program supports qualified nonprofit organizations in delivering direct civil legal services to indigent individuals facing family violence. These services are focused on ensuring legal protection, resolving family-related legal matters, and removing barriers to safety and justice for affected individuals. The fund has been consistently renewed through annual appropriations by the state legislature, underlining its significance in providing a systemic response to family violence through legal recourse. For the fiscal year 2026–2027, a total of $2,135,000 has been allocated to support this effort. The grant funding will be distributed across Colorado's counties or cities and counties based on the number of residents living below the poverty line as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. In jurisdictions with multiple qualifying organizations, funding will be apportioned according to the number of indigent family violence clients served by each organization in the previous year. This performance-based and need-driven allocation model is designed to ensure that areas with higher demand for legal aid services receive proportionate support, maximizing the impact of the fund. Grant awards are structured as cost-reimbursement agreements. Qualified organizations must submit documentation to claim eligible expenses incurred during the performance period, which spans from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Eligible expenditures include direct legal representation for clients in civil matters such as protection orders, divorce, legal separation, custody, paternity, child support enforcement, administrative hearings, and related legal issues. Services may also include legal clinics, legal advice and referrals, emergency assistance, and representation by Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs) under Rule 207.1 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure. Up to 15% of grant expenses may be applied toward indirect costs, with conditions based on whether the organization holds a federally negotiated indirect cost rate. Eligibility is limited to Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with demonstrated expertise in providing comprehensive civil legal services to low-income clients. To qualify, organizations must derive at least 33% of their funding from non-Fund sources. Institutions of higher education are specifically excluded. The application window opens on April 1, 2026, at 8:00 AM MDT and closes on April 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM MDT. Organizations may submit multiple applications if appropriate. All applications must be submitted through the designated portal, and applicants are encouraged to refer to the Euna Grant Management system for technical guidance and required documentation. A technical assistance session is scheduled for April 14, 2026, at 4:00 PM MDT to address applicant questions and offer support with the submission process. All inquiries regarding the grant should be directed to Jody Whitright at FamilyViolenceJusticeFund@judicial.state.co.us or by phone at 720-625-5841. Additionally, applicants are advised to consult the grant rules published on the Colorado Judicial Branch’s website for detailed guidance on reporting requirements and fund usage policies. The grant is not recurring automatically; however, annual appropriations suggest an ongoing opportunity for qualified organizations to apply in future cycles. Reporting is required quarterly, both for reimbursement and program outcomes, with deadlines set on the 10th day of the month following each quarter. These reports must be submitted through Euna and must include appropriate supporting documentation. Overall, the Family Violence Justice Fund Grant represents a critical investment in justice infrastructure, supporting vulnerable populations through targeted legal interventions.