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Michigan State Bar Foundation

Annual Giving
$8.0M
Grant Range
$3K - $0.2M

Michigan State Bar Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: ~$8 million (recurring operating grants)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: $3,000 - $160,000
  • Geographic Focus: Michigan statewide

Contact Details

Website: https://www.msbf.org
Phone: (517) 346-6400
General Email: msbf@msbf.org
Grant Inquiries: grants@msbf.org
Address: 306 Townsend Street, Lansing, MI 48933

Overview

Established in 1947 by lawyers and judges, the Michigan State Bar Foundation (MSBF) has been a cornerstone of legal aid funding in Michigan for over 75 years. With more than $210 million granted since inception, MSBF provides leadership and funding to improve access to the justice system throughout Michigan. The foundation primarily supports nonprofit civil legal aid programs that complete approximately 50,000 cases annually for low-income individuals. MSBF's funding comes from multiple sources including IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts), court filing fee distributions, private donations, and their Access to Justice Fund campaign.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Civil Legal Aid Operating Grants: ~$8 million annually

  • Recurring operating support for 4 statewide and 6 regional nonprofit legal aid programs
  • Supports direct legal services for low-income households
  • Helps individuals escape abusive partners, stop wrongful foreclosures, and address critical legal needs

Administration of Justice (AOJ) Grants: ~$2.2 million distributed over last decade

  • Project-based grants for innovative initiatives
  • Focus on legal education, conflict resolution, and justice system improvements
  • Recent awards range from $3,000 to $160,000
  • Application deadlines: October 10, 2025; February 6, 2026; May 8, 2026; October 9, 2026

Priority Areas

  • Civil legal services for low-income individuals
  • Legal rights education for children and adults
  • Conflict resolution programs
  • Justice system administration improvements
  • Medical-legal partnerships
  • Technology improvements for legal services
  • Pro bono legal service coordination
  • Estate planning for vulnerable populations

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated on website; contact grants@msbf.org for specific exclusions

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a Board of Directors and maintains a Fellows Program that welcomes distinguished legal professionals. While specific board member names were not available on the website, the foundation recently announced new board member and officer appointments, indicating active governance oversight.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For Administration of Justice Grants:

  1. Request online grant portal access at least one week before deadline by emailing grants@msbf.org
  2. Submit project summary to grants@msbf.org
  3. Review AOJ Grant Instructions and Criteria document available on website
  4. Complete online application through grant portal

For Operating Grants: Contact grants@msbf.org directly for information about ongoing operating grant opportunities

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified; contact foundation directly for timeline information

Success Rates

Application numbers and success rates not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not specified; contact grants@msbf.org for reapplication guidelines

Application Success Factors

Based on funded projects and foundation priorities:

  • Demonstrate clear impact on access to justice for low-income Michigan residents
  • Show innovation in addressing systemic legal challenges
  • Include measurable outcomes related to legal service delivery
  • Align with foundation's focus on education, conflict resolution, or direct legal services
  • Consider technology solutions that improve legal service efficiency
  • Projects that serve vulnerable populations (autism community, foster care, elderly) have been recently funded
  • Collaborative approaches between legal and social service organizations appear favored

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • MSBF is a major funder of legal aid in Michigan with substantial resources (~$8 million annually in operating grants)
  • Two distinct funding streams: ongoing operating support for established legal aid organizations and project-based AOJ grants for innovative initiatives
  • Strong focus on systemic solutions rather than individual case support
  • Multiple application deadlines throughout the year for AOJ grants provide several opportunities
  • Foundation values innovation, particularly in legal education and technology improvements
  • Direct contact with grants@msbf.org recommended before applying to ensure project alignment
  • Recent grants show support for diverse approaches from $3,000 small projects to $160,000 major initiatives

References

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