WisTAF

OUR MISSION

The Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation works with civil legal aid organizations in Wisconsin to increase access to justice. We oversee funds and invest in services and projects to help people resolve legal problems.

What is IOLTA?

IOLTA is the acronym for Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts. It is a program which assists in providing civil legal services to those who could not otherwise afford help from an attorney.

WisTAF has granted more than $58 million to agencies that provide civil legal services to Wisconsin’s low income population. From Superior to Milwaukee, funds generated via the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program have enabled legal service providers to help meet the increasing needs of low income families in the areas of housing, medical care, employment, and domestic abuse, among others. This feat was made possible through the dedicated partnership between Wisconsin’s bankers and lawyers.

The commitment of financial institutions to the communities they serve is reflected in their participation in the IOLTA program. In addition to paying competitive interest rates on lawyers’ trust accounts, many financial institutions have chosen to waive fees on IOLTA accounts, resulting in a direct increase in the dollars available to help fund legal services.

Chapter 13 of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules (Interest on Trust Accounts Program and Public Interest Legal Services Fund) and the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 20:1.15 pertain to the operation of the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation. Both rules can be found on the Wisconsin Supreme Court website. 

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
June 14, 2023
WisTAF Board Meeting
June 23, 2023
Racial Justice Workgroup meeting
August 18, 2023
Racial Justice Workgroup meeting
August 23, 2023
Finance Committee Meeting
September 12, 2023
Grants & Evaluation Committee Meeting
September 27, 2023
Executive Committee Teleconference
September 29, 2023
Racial Justice Workgroup meeting
October 11, 2023
WisTAF Board Meeting
November 17, 2023
Racial Justice Workgroup meeting
WHAT'S NEW
Does FDIC protect IOLTA funds?
WisTAF is accepting applications for domestic violence/sexual abuse civil legal services funding through March 17th
WisTAF announces $7.4 million in COVID-related grant awards
WisTAF disburses legal assistance for Afghan evacuees
WisTAF awards $450,000 in Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Legal Assistance Grants

More...

PRIME PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

One of our newest Prime Partners, Farmers & Merchants Bank (Berlin) goes above and beyond IOLTA participation requirements by paying additional interest on its clients' IOLTA accounts — helping to expand access to civil legal services in Wisconsin. Farmers & Merchants Bank's participation reflects an admirable commitment to justice for all in Wisconsin.


Contact us
WisTAF
4600 American Parkway, Suite 104, Madison, WI 53718
Phone: 608.257.6845 or 877.749.5045 (toll-free)
Email: service@wistaf.org

Board & Staff
WisTAF
Board of Directors
WisTAF
Rebecca Murray, Executive Director
WisTAF
Tehmina Islam, Assistant Executive Director
WisTAF
Benson Gardner, Communications and Development Manager
WisTAF
Jeff Brown, Grants Program Manager
WisTAF

©2023, Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation, Inc., 4600 American Parkway, Suite 104, Madison, WI 53718
877-749-5045 (toll free) • service@wistaf.org • To report problems with this site, contact the webmaster.
Disclaimer of Liability | Terms & Conditions of Use | Privacy Statement

© Moksaphoto