Legal Self-Help Centers Grant Program

The Legal Self-Help Centers Grant Program is administered by the Michigan Supreme Court’s State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) as part of a broader statewide effort to expand access to justice. This initiative aligns with the work of the Michigan Justice for All Commission, which seeks to ensure that all residents have access to legal resources regardless of income or representation status. Legal self-help centers play a critical role in this ecosystem by providing individuals with legal information, forms, referrals, and guidance so they can navigate the legal system independently. The program reflects Michigan’s decentralized approach to establishing and supporting these centers, while strengthening coordination through statewide partnerships. The primary purpose of this grant program is to expand, enhance, or sustain legal self-help center services throughout Michigan. Funding is intended to support both the establishment of new centers and the continued operation or expansion of existing ones. Grant funds may be used for a wide range of operational expenses, including personnel, equipment, contractual services, and general operating costs necessary to deliver services. However, funds cannot be used to replace existing funding sources or for certain restricted expenses such as promotional materials already provided by Michigan Legal Help. All funded activities must align with the goal of increasing accessibility and effectiveness of legal assistance for self-represented litigants. Eligibility for the program is limited to nonprofit and governmental organizations located in Michigan. Applicants must agree to comply with SCAO program requirements, including adherence to self-help center best practices, participation in required training, and fulfillment of data collection and reporting obligations. Organizations must also ensure proper financial management, including maintaining grant funds in a separate account and agreeing to potential audits. Additional expectations include participation in standardized data collection efforts, either independently or through collaboration with Michigan Legal Help, which provides tools and support for reporting and evaluation. The application process requires submission of several components via email, including the completed grant application form, a detailed budget worksheet, a line-item budget narrative, and supporting documentation in an appendix. Applications must be submitted by the stated deadline, and late submissions are not accepted. Applicants are evaluated by a grant review panel based on criteria such as the effectiveness of proposed services, the ability to serve underserved populations, and the sustainability of the program. While sustainability planning is not mandatory, it may strengthen an application. The funding structure includes a maximum award of 100000 dollars for organizations establishing new self-help centers and up to 75000 dollars for those expanding or continuing existing centers. Funds are generally disbursed as a lump sum at the beginning of the grant period, subject to reporting requirements. The grant period for this cycle runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, contingent on legislative appropriation. Recipients must submit quarterly expenditure reports and a final report detailing activities and outcomes. The program follows a defined timeline, with applications opening on May 27, 2025, and closing on July 27, 2025. Review and award notifications occur in August, followed by contracting and fund disbursement prior to the start of the grant period. Reporting deadlines are scheduled quarterly throughout the grant year, with a final report due shortly after the grant period ends. The program is expected to recur annually as long as funding is appropriated by the state legislature. For questions or support during the application process, applicants are directed to contact the program via email at JFAC@courts.mi.gov. Additional support for grantees is available through Michigan Legal Help, which offers training, planning assistance, and access to a statewide network of self-help centers. The program emphasizes both accountability and collaboration, ensuring that funded organizations contribute to a coordinated statewide effort to improve access to justice.

Emphasize plans to serve underserved populations and demonstrate sustainability for stronger consideration