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WisTAF administers a number of grant programs to help economically disadvantaged people access the legal advice and representation they need in civil matters.
WisTAF Mission and Grantmaking Philosophy
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.
In furtherance of this mission, the WisTAF Board of Directors annually awards grants to a broad array of publicly and privately funded agencies which provide civil legal services to low-income clients. WisTAF funds programs that address the particular needs and problems of various indigent groups, different geographical regions and special areas of public concern. Agency diversity, in terms of structure, service delivery methods, and sources of funds, is recognized and valued. As such, WisTAF sponsors agencies that provide free legal services as well as those which charge reduced fees for services, consistent with its position that there is room for both models in addressing the needs of Wisconsin’s low income population. WisTAF will not allocate grant funds to organizations to be used for criminal representation.
The WisTAF Board believes that effective funding of grants can take place only in a climate free from political bias and outside interference. WisTAF strongly encourages the cooperation and collaboration of its grantees, and will continue to be guided by these principles as it awards future grants.
Finally, the WisTAF Board reserves the right to change procedures and priorities for the grants program as community needs are identified and as resources change.
Grant Awards
In 2021, WisTAF distributed over $2.8 million to 25 agencies providing civil legal services across Wisconsin. 2021 grants included $900,000 from the Public Interest Legal Services Fund (PILSF), $442,307 from IOLTA funds, $997,000 from the Foreclosure Prevention and Community Redevelopment Legal Assistance Grant Program, $447,674 in Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse Civil Legal Services State Appropriation funds, $52,443 in cy pres funds, and $55,000 in pro hac vice funds.
Grant Applications and Submission Information
If you are a civil legal service provider interested in applying for a grant, visit our Submissions page.
You can also sign up for email updates about grant opportunities.
Grants Calendar
Our grants calendar contains deadlines and other dates related to WisTAF's 2023 application and reporting deadlines.
For more information about grants or the grantmaking process, contact Jeff Brown, Grants Program Manager.
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