Eviction Legal Defense Fund Grant

The Eviction Legal Defense Fund Grant Program, administered by the Colorado Judicial Department’s Financial Services Division, provides crucial support for qualified nonprofit legal organizations assisting low-income tenants facing eviction in Colorado. Established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2019, the Fund exists to expand access to civil legal services for individuals at risk of eviction or actively undergoing eviction proceedings. The 2026/27 grant cycle reflects the state’s continued commitment to housing stability by ensuring vulnerable populations receive essential legal representation and support. The grant program distributes funds annually based on a proportional formula that considers the number of forcible entry and detainer petitions (eviction filings) in each county. When multiple qualified organizations operate in the same county, allocations are further refined by evaluating the number of clients each served in the previous grant cycle. This need-based geographic methodology ensures equitable resource allocation aligned with local eviction trends. Grant funds may be used for a range of services aimed at preventing eviction or mitigating its consequences. These include providing direct legal representation in eviction proceedings, legal consultations before filings occur, assistance with related civil legal matters, mediation between landlords and tenants, and referrals to housing-related services such as rental assistance programs. Additionally, funds may support educational clinics for tenants and allow for limited legal representation by Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs), as specified in Rule 207.1 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure. Eligible applicants must be Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide full-service civil legal services to indigent clients. Organizations must also secure at least 20 percent of their funding from sources other than the Eviction Legal Defense Fund. Preference is given to those offering services free of charge rather than at a reduced cost. Institutions of higher education and entities not meeting these requirements are excluded. Applications for the FY 2026/27 grant cycle open on April 1, 2026, at 8:00 AM MDT and close on April 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM MDT. Only complete submissions received by the deadline will be considered. A technical assistance session will be hosted on April 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM via WebEx to provide guidance. Applications must be submitted through the Judicial Department’s online grant management system, Euna (formerly AmpliFund). Payment requests are submitted quarterly and require supporting documentation, with performance reporting due by July 31, 2027. The total available funding for the 2026/27 cycle is $1.1 million, and awards are non-competitive. Grants are provided on a cost-reimbursement basis, with a maximum of 15 percent allowed for indirect costs, subject to federal NICR rules or a 15 percent de minimus rate. The grant performance period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Contact for inquiries is Jody Whitright at EvictionLegalDefenseFund@judicial.state.co.us or 720-625-5841.