Fund oversight

WisTAF originated in 1986 with the establishment of the state's Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program, a then-new funding mechanism for helping people of limited means to access the legal system. The legacy of that moment is our expertise in increasing access to justice in Wisconsin through developing, managing, and investing IOLTA and other funds.

WisTAF disbursed $9 million in 2024 that helped organizations serve more than 13,000 clients across Wisconsin during the year. 

In recent years, COVID-era increases in federal pass-through funding to WisTAF’s available grant sources made it possible for legal aid providers to significantly expand their reach. However, resources still fell far short of what is needed to address civil legal needs of Wisconsin families of limited means. Most of our current federal pass-through fund sources will have sunsetted by the end of 2026.

Other newer fund sources include Public Interest Legal Services Fund contributions from Bar members, pro hac vice and cy pres distributions, as well as private contributions.