Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $9-10 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 3-4 months
• Grant Range: Varies by program (recent DLS grants averaged $150,000)
• Geographic Focus: Wisconsin statewide

Contact Details

Website: www.wistaf.org
Phone: 608-257-6845 or 877-749-5045 (toll-free)
Email: service@wistaf.org
Grant Applications Portal: wisconsintrustaccountfoundation.submittable.com/submit
Grants Program Manager: Jeff Brown (jbrown@wistaf.org)

Overview

The Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation (WisTAF) is Wisconsin's leading funder of civil legal aid, established in 1986 by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. With over $100 million in grants awarded since inception and annual distributions of approximately $9-10 million, WisTAF ensures equal access to the civil justice system for low-income Wisconsinites. The foundation manages multiple funding streams including Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA) and the Public Interest Legal Services Fund (PILSF), which is supported by mandatory annual assessments from all Wisconsin lawyers and judges. WisTAF's grants serve 13,000-15,000 clients annually across all 72 Wisconsin counties, delivering an impressive 8.4-to-1 return on investment with $176 million in documented economic impact. The foundation has earned a 4-star Charity Navigator rating with a 96% score for financial health and transparency.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Direct Legal Services (DLS) Grant Program: $2.4+ million annually - Flexible funding for legal services ranging from information and advice to full representation for people at or below 125% of federal poverty level. Application opens July, decisions announced October.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse (DVSA) Civil Legal Services Program: Federal TANF-funded program established in 2015, supporting parents, caretakers, and pregnant individuals with limited incomes. Services include restraining orders, divorces, child placement, and guardianship. Decisions announced June.

Legal Aid Advancement Grants: Capacity building and special projects for civil legal aid organizations.

Special/One-Time Grants: Periodic awards for specific needs such as refugee assistance, labor trafficking victims, and pandemic recovery.

Priority Areas

• Domestic violence and abuse
• Housing stability and foreclosure prevention
• Family law matters
• Access to medical benefits
• Employment issues
• Bankruptcy protection
• Services for refugees and trafficking victims

What They Don't Fund

• Criminal defense services
• Organizations without civil legal aid mission
• Direct services to individuals (grants go to organizations)
• For-profit entities

Governance and Leadership

Board Composition: 15 members appointed by Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice and State Bar President, including 3 judges, 9 lawyers, and 3 non-lawyers.

Current Leadership:

• Chairperson: Atty. Basil Buchko, Manitowoc
• Vice Chairperson: Hon. Rachel A. Graham, Madison
• Executive Director: Rebecca L. Murray

Executive Director Rebecca L. Murray emphasizes: "Everyone should be able to access solutions to legal problems, regardless of their income. So much thought has gone into passing legal protections that are supposed to be available to everyone. We should make sure people can in fact access those protections, especially when the stakes are high."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the Submittable online portal at wisconsintrustaccountfoundation.submittable.com/submit. Organizations must create a free Submittable account and can collaborate with multiple team members on applications. The portal allows saving drafts and returning to complete applications later. Works best on Chrome, Firefox, or Safari browsers.

Decision Timeline

Direct Legal Services (DLS):

• Application opens: July
• Decision announcement: October (approximately 3 months)
• Grants for following calendar year

DVSA Program:

• Decision announcement: June

All grant awards require approval by the full Board of Directors following recommendations from the Grants/Evaluation Committee.

Success Rates

While specific success rates are not publicly disclosed, WisTAF funds 16-28 organizations statewide depending on the program. Competition is significant given that Wisconsin has only one WisTAF-funded civil legal aid attorney for every 4,300 eligible low-income residents.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can reapply annually. Ongoing grantees undergo regular monitoring and risk assessment. Past performance and reporting compliance influence future funding decisions.

Application Success Factors

Based on WisTAF's funding patterns and stated priorities, successful applications demonstrate:

• Clear focus on low-income populations: Specifically serving clients at or below 125% of federal poverty level
• Strong organizational capacity: Ability to comply with federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) requirements and manage reimbursement-based funding
• Geographic service gaps: Addressing underserved regions within Wisconsin's 72 counties
• Collaborative approach: Partnerships with other service providers to maximize impact
• Measurable outcomes: Clear metrics and evaluation methods to demonstrate effectiveness
• Risk management: Strong financial controls and governance structures

WisTAF particularly values organizations that can handle the rigorous reporting requirements, including periodic reports, electronic submissions through their portal, desk reviews, and monitoring visits. As the foundation notes, they conduct ongoing risk assessment and evaluation of all subrecipients.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Mission alignment is critical: Organizations must focus specifically on civil legal aid for low-income Wisconsinites - this is non-negotiable • Established organizations preferred: WisTAF primarily funds experienced civil legal aid providers with demonstrated capacity for federal compliance • Timing matters: Applications open in July for the following year's funding, requiring advance planning • Reporting is rigorous: Prepare for extensive reporting requirements including periodic reports, desk reviews, and monitoring visits • Funding is reimbursement-based: Organizations need sufficient cash flow to operate while awaiting reimbursement • Demonstrate unmet need: With one civil legal aid attorney per 4,300 eligible residents, showing service gaps strengthens applications • Contact the Grants Program Manager: Jeff Brown (jbrown@wistaf.org) can provide guidance on application requirements and processes

References

• Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation Official Website. www.wistaf.org (Accessed February 2026)
• Charity Navigator. "Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation Rating." charitynavigator.org/ein/391555465 (Accessed February 2026)
• WisTAF. "2026 Direct Legal Services Grant Awards Announcement." October 8, 2025
• Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation Annual Reports 2023-2024
• Economic Impact Study commissioned by WisTAF documenting 8.4-to-1 return on investment
• Wisconsin Supreme Court Chapter 13 (IOLTA and PILSF rules)
• Submittable Application Portal. wisconsintrustaccountfoundation.submittable.com
• GuideStar Profile 39-1555465
• Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission reports on civil legal aid needs