Self-Help Center Kiosk Implementation Grant

The Self-Help Center Kiosk Implementation Grant is administered by the Michigan Supreme Court through the State Court Administrative Office in partnership with the Michigan Justice for All Commission. Established to improve access to legal services, the Commission works to ensure that all Michigan residents can obtain legal information and resources when needed. This grant program represents a targeted initiative funded by the Michigan legislature to expand legal self-help infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas. It is a supplemental funding opportunity for fiscal year 2026, distinct from the standard annual self-help center grant program, and is focused specifically on rural counties that currently lack established self-help services. The primary purpose of this grant is to support the implementation and maintenance of self-help center kiosks. These kiosks are designed to provide public access to legal resources, including remote navigation assistance, access to court records, participation in virtual court proceedings, and use of the MiFILE electronic filing system. The program prioritizes applicants that have already implemented MiFILE systems, indicating readiness to integrate digital court services. The initiative emphasizes expanding equitable access to legal tools and services in geographically isolated communities where residents may otherwise face barriers to court engagement. Funding under this program is limited to a maximum award of 10,000 dollars per recipient and is distributed as an upfront lump sum payment. Allowable expenses include equipment necessary for kiosk operation, contractual services such as IT support, operating expenses like maintenance and supplies, and other itemized costs that directly support the kiosk implementation. Funds must be used to supplement existing resources and cannot replace current funding streams. Additionally, all grant funds must be tracked separately and may not be commingled with other organizational revenues. Any unspent funds at the conclusion of the grant period must be returned. Eligibility is restricted to governmental organizations located in Michigan counties with populations of 100,000 or fewer that do not currently have an established self-help center. Applicants must also agree to participate in the Michigan Legal Help Remote Legal Navigator Assistance Program, which provides virtual support to kiosk users. This includes enabling video conferencing with trained navigators who assist users with legal processes and resource navigation, though they do not provide legal advice. Michigan Legal Help also offers implementation support, including planning, training, outreach materials, and equipment selection guidance. The application process requires submission through the WebGrants system. Applicants must complete a formal application, provide a detailed budget with line-item breakdown and narrative justification, and include supporting documentation in an appendix. Registration in the WebGrants system is required prior to submission, and applicants are advised to register at least one week before the deadline. The application period opens on May 13, 2026, and closes on June 12, 2026. Late submissions are not accepted. All applicants must comply with reporting requirements, financial audit provisions, and established self-help center best practices. Applications are reviewed by the State Court Administrative Office based on several criteria, including county population size, proximity to existing self-help centers, commitment to staff training, and readiness to implement MiFILE. Award decisions are communicated via email and are not subject to appeal, although applicants may reapply in future cycles if applicable. Successful applicants must execute a grant agreement and register in the State of Michigan SIGMA financial system before funds are disbursed. The grant period begins upon execution of the grant agreement and ends on September 30, 2026. Grantees are required to submit both a data report and a final expense report by October 9, 2026, covering the period from implementation through the end of the grant. Data collection is conducted in partnership with Michigan Legal Help, which provides tools and support for tracking kiosk usage and outcomes. Questions regarding the grant program may be directed to the program contact email at JFAC@courts.mi.gov. Additional details are available in the official program overview document.

Prioritize demonstrating readiness including MiFILE implementation and staff training commitment; ensure budget is clearly justified and aligned with allowable categories