About the Alliance
Funding for Legal Aid
Justice is out of reach for the vast majority of low-income families and individuals due to scarce financial resources. Total funding for civil legal aid in Washington falls far short of the need for services. Insufficient resources severely limit the ability of legal aid programs to provide services to those in need.
Current funding for civil legal aid programs in Washington comes from four primary sources.
Current funding for civil legal aid programs in Washington comes from four primary sources.
Federal Grants
Through congressional appropriations, the Legal Services Corporation makes grants to legal aid programs across the country, including Washington's Northwest Justice Project. Additional federal funding comes from special purpose grants.
State and Local Funding
Through the Office of Civil Legal Aid, the Washington State Legislature provides critical funding for civil legal aid. This funding goes primarily to the Northwest Justice Project. Some state funds are subcontracted to legal aid programs doing OCLA-eligible work across the state. Some programs receive county and city grants.
Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA)
IOLTA funds are generated by the interest from monies held in trust by attorneys and limited practice officers for their clients. Funds from the IOLTA program are administered by the Legal Foundation of Washington, which was created by the Washington Supreme Court for this sole purpose. IOLTA funds are granted to 19 volunteer lawyer programs and seven specialty legal aid programs.