SCAO opens application period for grant program

The State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) has opened the application period for grants to expand legal self-help center services across the state in 2024. For the second year, SCAO will award and disburse $500,000 appropriated by the state legislature. The grant period will start January 1, 2024 and end September 30, 2024 for selected grant recipients. The Justice for All Commission (JFAC) advocated for resources to expand legal assistance and self-help services throughout Michigan as part of its effort to achieve 100 percent access to justice.

“Ensuring access to civil legal services for all Michigan residents is the fundamental goal of the Justice for All Commission and these grants go a long way toward making that goal a reality,” said Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian K. Zahra, who serves as JFAC Chair.

The application period for the Legal Self-Help Centers Grant Program ends November 12. Nonprofit and governmental organizations seeking to expand existing self-help centers and establish new centers in Michigan are eligible to apply. Those interested in applying should visit www.courts.michigan.gov/publications/grantsrfps.

The maximum award amount is up to $100,000 for grant proposals establishing a new self-help center and up to $75,000 for proposals to expand services of existing centers.

Funding will be prioritized for applicants that integrate the following top investment areas:

• Targeted service of underserved geographic and demographic populations.

• Use of staffed self-help center model.

• New or existing self-help centers that maximize resources and the number of individuals served.

• Demonstrated community partnerships and engagement.

Legal self-help centers provide services to people who are seeking to solve legal problems through providing legal information, forms, resources, guidance, and referrals. These services and tools help educate and empower self-help center visitors to more effectively advocate for themselves within the legal system. The first legal self-help center in Michigan was established in 2002, and 26 centers have been established since then.

The JFAC was created by the Michigan Supreme Court in 2021.