Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts Grants Program

The Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts program administered by the Idaho Law Foundation is a long-standing funding initiative designed to support legal access, education, and justice-related services across the state of Idaho. Established in collaboration with the Idaho State Bar and financial institutions, the program collects interest generated from client trust accounts held by attorneys and redistributes those funds through a structured grantmaking process. Since its inception in 1985, the program has awarded millions of dollars to organizations that serve the public interest, particularly those addressing legal needs and civic education. The primary purpose of the IOLTA grant program is to fund initiatives that improve access to justice and legal understanding for Idaho residents. Funding is directed toward four principal areas: legal aid for low-income individuals, law-related education for the public, scholarships and student loans supporting legal education, and projects that enhance the administration of justice. These categories reflect the Idaho Law Foundation’s broader mission to promote a fair legal system, educate the public, and strengthen the legal profession. Grant funds must be used within a defined performance period corresponding to the calendar year of the award, specifically from January 1 through December 31 of the grant year. Allowable uses include programmatic expenses directly tied to the proposed project, such as staffing, operational costs, and service delivery. However, strict restrictions apply: funds cannot be used for endowments, lobbying, fundraising activities, or to cover expenses incurred in prior years. Additionally, indirect costs are limited to no more than 20 percent of the total project budget, ensuring that the majority of funds support direct services. Eligibility is limited to organizations whose programs align with one of the defined funding categories under Idaho Bar Commission Rule 1309. These include nonprofit organizations and entities providing civil legal services to underserved populations, educational programs that enhance public understanding of the law, and initiatives that support the functioning and fairness of the justice system. Projects must clearly demonstrate a public benefit and align with the program’s mission of promoting access to justice and civic engagement. The application process requires submission of several key components, including a completed and signed cover sheet, a detailed narrative limited to five pages, a project-specific budget, the organization’s operating budget, and the most recent audited financial statements. Applications are submitted primarily via email, though mailed or in-person submissions are accepted if received by the deadline. The process emphasizes completeness and timeliness, as incomplete or late applications are not considered. For the 2027 funding cycle, the application period opens on July 1 and closes on August 24 at 5:00 PM MDT. Applicants can expect notification of funding decisions by the end of October. While the total available funding is contingent on year-end balances, the Idaho Law Foundation anticipates distributing up to $900,000 in grants for 2027. This annual cycle demonstrates the program’s recurring nature and its continued commitment to supporting legal services and education across Idaho. Overall, the IOLTA grant program represents a critical funding mechanism for organizations working to ensure equitable access to legal resources and education. Through a structured and competitive application process, the program supports impactful initiatives that strengthen communities, uphold justice, and foster a more informed and engaged public.

Ensure alignment with one of the four funding categories and clearly demonstrate community need, measurable outcomes, and budget justification; submit complete application before deadline