Mediation Services in Illinois

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation (IEJF), a state-funded nonprofit grantmaking organization, provides support to initiatives that increase access to civil legal aid across Illinois. As part of its broader Civil Legal Aid Grants program, IEJF funds mediation services to offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional legal processes, particularly for residents who might otherwise be unable to access justice. The mediation services grants support dispute resolution centers that deliver free services to the public, largely through trained volunteers. These services aim to resolve disputes equitably and efficiently, minimizing the need for court proceedings. The grant targets Illinois-based not-for-profit organizations that provide mediation services without charge. All services must be delivered by volunteers who have completed at least 30 hours of training in key mediation competencies such as negotiation, ethics, neutrality, agreement writing, and nonverbal communication. These centers must operate in accordance with Section 5 of the Illinois Not-for-Profit Dispute Resolution Center Act. This includes maintaining peer review programs, ensuring mediations are scheduled within 30 days, maintaining case records, and informing participants about the process and roles involved. Successful mediations are considered resolved once a written agreement is signed. IEJF considers funding in two main areas: support for new dispute resolution centers, including those still in development, and operating support for existing centers. Operating support may cover staff salaries, benefits, and essential operational costs related to delivering mediation services. Additionally, virtual centers and virtual mediation services are eligible in recognition of post-COVID service delivery models. Grant funds may also support activities related to monitoring effectiveness and improving service quality in alignment with the organization’s mission. Applications are evaluated based on the demonstrated need for services, such as local demand and support from referral sources including courts, legal service providers, and government agencies. Other criteria include the applicant’s operational capacity, such as the number of mediations previously completed, volunteer recruitment and training capabilities, and efficient service delivery methods. Cost-effectiveness, referral rates, and actual mediation outcomes are also taken into account during evaluation. For the FY26 cycle, IEJF has a grant budget of approximately $4.8 million, sourced from a $5 million state appropriation. The grant period spans from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. Applications will open on June 27, 2025, and are due by July 25, 2025. Following a review process and site visits in August, grant decisions will be announced in October 2025. All application materials, including the required Organizational Assurance form, must be submitted through IEJF’s grantmaking platform. Resources to support applicants are available through the foundation’s website. Reporting requirements include a mid-term report due March 20, 2026, which affects future payments. All grant funds must be expended by August 31, 2026. A final report is required by September 30, 2026. Failure to comply with reporting timelines may jeopardize future funding. Questions about the program can be directed to Leslie Corbett, Executive Director, at lcorbett@iejf.org or by phone at 312-463-9134.