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 $7.7 million in 2025 that helped organizations serve more than 12,000 clients across Wisconsin during the year. 

Unfortunately, WisTAF's resources have never been enough to meet all the need. Providers need far more support to ensure everyone of limited means can obtain the assistance they need to address civil legal challenges. This has been true even in years when IOLTA revenue was up due to elevated interest rates, even during the COVID-19 era when one-time increases were made to federal pass-through funding... always.

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.