The Michigan State Bar Foundation (MSBF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice and promoting access to civil legal aid, offers the Administration of Justice (AOJ) Grants. These grants are aimed at supporting innovative projects that enhance the understanding and effectiveness of the American legal system within the state of Michigan.
The primary focus of AOJ Grants includes educating Michigan children and adults about their legal rights and responsibilities, increasing opportunities for conflict and dispute resolution, and supporting civil legal aid for underserved communities. Occasionally, the Foundation may consider other projects with extraordinary merit related to the administration of justice.
Projects funded through AOJ Grants must benefit Michigan residents and are expected to demonstrate innovation, sustainability, collaboration, and potential for replication. Eligible uses of funding include programmatic efforts that do not duplicate existing services, have community support, and include a strong evaluation component. The Foundation does not fund political, religious, or capital campaign activities, and prefers projects where the applicant leverages multiple funding sources and volunteer involvement.
Applicants must apply through MSBF’s online grant portal after requesting a user ID by contacting the Foundation. The Foundation outlines application deadlines throughout the year, with upcoming deadlines on October 11, 2024; February 7, 2025; May 9, 2025; and October 10, 2025. AOJ Grants are not awarded on a rolling basis, but are recurring with expected cycles annually.
Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits and public educational institutions in Michigan. Funding cannot be used for overhead exceeding 10
