IOLTA Grant Information

IOLTA funds are distributed once a year through a competitive grant process to qualified non-profit organizations that meet the Idaho Law Foundation’s funding guidelines. Since the inception of Idaho’s IOLTA program in 1982, over $5,000,000 has been distributed to programs and scholarships benefitting the public.

For more information about IOLTA grants, contact Ashley McDermott at (208) 334-4500.

       
 

IOLTA Grantees Changing the World

As one of our four grant priorities, IOLTA funds scholarships and student loans. Thanks to IOLTA fellowships, University of Idaho law students  are able to pass up paid summer internships to serve the less fortunate in Idaho and beyond. These dedicated students assist refugees, educate teens about domestic violence, and provide legal advice for those who can least afford it.

IOLTA fellowships help ease the financial burden for these students, allowing them to follow their passions for public interest law.


 

 

Funding Guidelines

IOLTA Grant ExpendituresIOLTA funds can only be used toprovide funding for the following purposes:

  • To provide legal services to the poor;
  • To provide law-related education programs for the public;
  • To provide scholarships and student loans; and
  • To improve the administration of justice.

 

Grant Applications

Due to the decline in interest rates, IOLTA income has decreased dramatically over the last several grant cycles. Faced with another decrease in funding for the 2013 grant cycle, the Idaho Law Foundation Board of Directors decided to limit the organizations for which it would accept 2013 grant applications. If your organization has not received a grant packet, the IOLTA program will not be able to accept an application from you this year.

The Law Foundation regrets that it cannot accommodate more grant applications for the 2013 grant year. As interest rates increase, IOLTA income should also rise, increasing the funds available for grants in future years.

2013 Grant Recipients

Program Grant Description
Idaho Legal Aid Services For allocation among the program’s seven service offices and the Nampa Family Justice Center, in order to fund legal representation of clients across the state.
Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program For support of general program operations, delivery of direct client services, and recruitment of volunteer attorneys statewide.
Legal Resource Line For general expenses to offer limited consultation with a lawyer by telephone to Idaho residents, supplementing the services provided by Court Assistance Offices.
YMCA Youth Government Program For financial assistance to students participating in Youth Government, administered by the Treasure Valley YMCA.

Law Related Education

 For funding to help Idaho citizens to understand law as the basis of a democratic society and teach students participative democracy skills.
4-H Know Your Government Conference For support of the Know Your Government Conference which allows students an opportunity to learn about the branches of government.
University of Idaho College of Law To support Public Interest Fellowships that encourage students to take summer jobs that serve the public interest.