← Back to US Funders Directory

Illinois Equal Justice Foundation

Annual Giving
$14.3M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.3M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $14.3 million (FY2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: $1,973 - $263,133 (based on 2020 data)
  • Geographic Focus: Illinois statewide

Contact Details

Overview

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation (IEJF) was created in 1999 through the Illinois General Assembly's Equal Justice Act and has awarded over $95 million in state grants since its first grant cycle in 2000. With total assets of $10.6 million and annual revenue of $14.6 million (FY2024), IEJF works to ensure equitable and easy access to Illinois' civil justice system. The foundation manages multiple state appropriations for civil legal aid and has developed three statewide legal aid networks. According to Former Chief Justice Anne Burke of the Illinois Supreme Court, "Thanks to the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, tens of thousands of our most vulnerable residents have had an advocate fighting for them in court."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Civil Legal Aid Grants: Variable amounts (Annual deadline typically in July/August)
  • Veterans Legal Assistance (IL-AFLAN): State-funded program for veteran-specific legal needs
  • Housing Legal Assistance (Eviction Help Illinois): State contract for housing-related legal services
  • Cannabis Expungement Legal Services (New Leaf Illinois): Support for expungement of cannabis-related convictions

Priority Areas

  • Family law and domestic violence support
  • Housing and eviction prevention
  • Government benefits navigation
  • Consumer protection and elder law
  • Special education advocacy
  • Immigration rights
  • Criminal record expungement
  • Veterans' legal assistance
  • Mediation services

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, funding appears limited to:

  • Civil legal aid only (not criminal defense)
  • Illinois-based organizations only
  • Direct legal service provision (not advocacy or policy work alone)

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a board of directors appointed by the Illinois State Bar Association and Chicago Bar Association. Leslie Corbett Chenoweth serves as Executive Director. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has praised the foundation, stating "The IEJF has helped hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents access the legal help they need."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the IEJF Grantee Portal at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=IEJF. The foundation holds annual application cycles with deadlines typically in July or August. Interested organizations should review grant guidelines at http://iejf.org/iejfwp/grants/guidelines and contact the Program Officer for specific requirements.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly specified. Organizations should contact the Program Officer for information about notification dates.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available. In 2020, IEJF funded 21 nonprofit organizations with grants totaling $1,330,106.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly specified. Organizations should contact IEJF directly for information about reapplying after unsuccessful applications.

Application Success Factors

Based on IEJF's funding patterns and priorities:

  • Demonstrate direct service provision to low-income Illinois residents
  • Show capacity to provide comprehensive legal services including representation, advice, self-help materials, and court system guidance
  • Align with IEJF's core values of accountability, diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Address priority areas such as housing stability, family law, or benefits access
  • Organizations serving marginalized communities appear to receive priority consideration
  • Both large legal aid organizations and smaller community-based groups receive funding

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • IEJF manages multiple state appropriations, so funding availability may vary by year
  • The foundation funds a wide range of grant sizes, from under $2,000 to over $250,000
  • Applications require submission through the online Grantee Portal
  • Direct contact with Program Officer Tyrina Newkirk is encouraged for application guidance
  • Focus on demonstrating impact on breaking cycles of poverty and improving access to justice
  • Emphasis on racial and economic justice aligns with their 2022-2026 Strategic Plan
  • Consider applying for specific programs (Veterans, Housing, Cannabis Expungement) if your organization serves these populations

References

🎯 You've done the research. Now write an application they can't refuse.

Hinchilla combines funder's specific priorities with your organisation's past successful grants and AI analysis of what reviewers want to see.

✓

Data privacy and security by default

✓

Your organisation's past successful grants and experience

✓

AI analysis of what reviewers want to see

✓

A compelling draft application in 10 minutes instead of 10 hours

Join the Launch ListLearn More
← Back to US Funders Directory