Telephone Advice & Referral Services Grant

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation (IEJF) administers civil legal aid grants aimed at expanding access to legal services for low-income individuals in Illinois. One of the categories under the IEJF’s civil legal aid initiative is the Telephone Advice and Referral Services grant. This grant supports Illinois-based not-for-profit organizations that operate regional legal services hotlines, which provide free legal advice and referrals in civil matters. The foundation’s broader mission includes supporting programs that help residents access essential legal protections and resources, such as domestic violence assistance, senior fraud recovery, and family crisis resolution. The Telephone Advice and Referral Services category specifically funds operating costs of regional hotlines that serve as crucial entry points for legal assistance. Eligible services include providing legal information about the legal system, giving free advice and self-help materials, and referring low-income individuals to relevant civil legal services providers. Importantly, these hotlines must also offer coordinated intake services, and legal advice must be rendered by licensed attorneys. The funding can be used for staff salaries, benefits, and other direct expenses associated with the advice and referral services. To be eligible, applicants must be not-for-profit organizations located in Illinois. They must serve either Cook County or at least 25 counties across the state. In addition, they must offer legal advice and referral services on civil legal matters, and these services must be delivered by licensed attorneys. The IEJF explicitly excludes organizations that only conduct screening or intake without providing direct legal advice or referrals. Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria. These include the demonstrated need in the applicant’s service area, which considers the number of eligible clients, volume of calls, and unmet demand. Efficiency of service delivery is also emphasized, including cost-effectiveness, the use of volunteers, access to self-help materials, and the use of technology to enhance service quality and client access. These criteria are aligned with broader grantmaking priorities described in the IEJF overview. The grant application process opens on June 27, 2025. Completed proposals are due by July 25, 2025. Grant review and site visits will occur in August, with funding decisions announced in October 2025. The funding period runs from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. A mid-term report is due March 20, 2026, and a final report is due by September 30, 2026. Mid-term reporting compliance affects continued disbursement of funds, and full expenditure is required by August 31, 2026. Applications and required forms, including the FY 26 Organizational Assurances, must be submitted through the IEJF’s grantmaking portal. For questions, applicants may contact Leslie Corbett, Executive Director, at lcorbett@iejf.org or 312-463-9134. Applicants are encouraged to review grantee resources prior to submission to ensure compliance with eligibility and program guidelines.

Applicants are encouraged to review grantee resources before submission.