BFF Legal Services Grant

The Bigglesworth Family Foundation is a private philanthropic organization that provides funding to legal services organizations with the goal of improving access to justice and strengthening civil legal aid systems. As a relatively small foundation, it emphasizes “right sized” funding, meaning grants are calibrated to match the scale and capacity of applicant organizations. The foundation focuses its giving on legal services providers and programs that can demonstrate meaningful sector impact, particularly those that expand access to justice, develop leadership, or contribute to systemic improvements in civil legal aid. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support nonprofit legal services organizations and eligible public entities in delivering legal assistance and advancing justice-related initiatives. Funding may be used for general operating support or for specific programs, depending on the size of the organization. Smaller organizations with operating budgets under 1 million dollars are generally encouraged to seek general operating support, while mid-sized organizations between 1 million and 5 million dollars may request either general or programmatic funding with appropriate justification. Larger organizations with budgets exceeding 5 million dollars are typically restricted to project-based funding, such as pilot initiatives, impact litigation, or research efforts with limited alternative funding sources. Eligibility for funding is limited to organizations that are recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofits or public entities. Additionally, applicants must adhere to strict non-discrimination policies, ensuring that no individual or group is excluded based on age, race, gender, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or other protected characteristics. Legal services must be a core component of the applying organization’s work, and organizations without legal staff or attorneys are not eligible. Special provisions allow legal service programs embedded within larger institutions, such as universities or social service agencies, to apply for general operating support under certain conditions. The application process is structured in two stages, beginning with a mandatory Letter of Inquiry. All organizations, including prior grantees, must submit an LOI within the designated submission window for each grant cycle. Following review, selected applicants are invited to submit a full application through the foundation’s online grantee portal. Applications are evaluated after the close of each cycle, and decisions are communicated to applicants via email. Required application materials include organizational financial documentation such as IRS Form 990 and audited financial statements, ensuring that applicants meet transparency and fiscal accountability standards. The foundation operates on a biannual grant cycle, with one cycle in the spring and one in the fall. For the Fall 2026 cycle, the LOI submission window runs from April 6, 2026 through May 7, 2026, followed by an application window opening on May 18, 2026 and a final submission deadline of June 26, 2026. Funding decisions are expected in October 2026. This recurring structure continues annually, with similar timelines for subsequent cycles. Organizations are encouraged to align their application timing with their fiscal year to ensure the availability of required financial documentation. Grant awards typically range from 10,000 to 30,000 dollars, with a limited number of larger grants available. For project-based funding, indirect costs are capped at 25 percent for organizations with budgets over 5 million dollars, while smaller organizations are assessed on a case-by-case basis. The foundation does not fund individuals, scholarships, or capital campaigns. Successful grantees are required to submit a self-report within six to eight months of receiving funds, detailing either program outcomes or the impact of general operating support. For additional information or inquiries, applicants may contact the foundation via email at info@bigglesworthff.org or by phone at 415-547-0776.