Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $9.8M+ (2024 expenses)
• Total Assets: $27.2M (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Approximately 3 months (September application to December notification)
• Grant Range: Varies by program and funding availability
• Geographic Focus: Arizona statewide
• Registered Charity Number: 95-3351710

Contact Details

Address: 4201 N. 24th Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Phone: (602) 340-7366

Email: info@AZBF.org

Website: www.azbf.org

Grant Inquiries: Contact staff list available at www.azbf.org/about-us/meet-the-staff

Legal Help Line: 1-866-637-5341

Overview

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education (also known as the Arizona Bar Foundation) was created by the State Bar of Arizona in 1978 as a separate 501(c)(3) organization with the mission of "promoting access to justice for all Arizonans." The Foundation has been tax-exempt since December 1979 and has grown significantly, reporting total assets of $27.2 million and annual revenue of $23.8 million in fiscal year 2024. The Foundation fulfills its mission through two primary pathways: providing financial grants to nonprofit legal service organizations that offer free civil legal assistance to low-income Arizonans, and administering law-related education programs that prepare Arizona youth for civic responsibility. The Foundation is primarily funded through Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA), which has generated over $43 million in Arizona since 1985, as well as through donations and grants. The Foundation has shown remarkable growth, with total revenue more than quintupling from $4.6 million in 2021 to $23.8 million in 2024.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Legal Services Grant Program The Foundation provides financial grants to nonprofit legal service organizations on a calendar year cycle (January 1 - December 31). Grant amounts are not publicly disclosed but are determined based on available funding from IOLTA and other sources. The Foundation is currently not accepting grant applications (status as of research date), but typically opens applications in mid-September annually.

Law-Related Education Grants Through IOLTA dollars, donations, and grants, the Foundation funds law-related education programs for youth in various ways, including grants to agencies and scholarships to teachers. Due to limited resources, law-related education grant applications are not currently being accepted.

Loan Repayment Programs The Foundation provides financial support for legal aid attorneys through loan repayment programs to encourage continued service in the legal aid sector.

Priority Areas

The Foundation focuses on two main areas:

Access to Justice:

• Free civil legal services for low-income Arizonans
• Domestic violence legal assistance through the Arizona Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Project (ADVLAP)
• Eviction assistance through AZEvictionHelp
• Immigration legal services
• Family law assistance
• Consumer issues, employment, housing, and individual rights matters
• Services specifically for vulnerable populations including victims of domestic violence, immigrants, refugees, children, and crime victims

Law-Related Education:

• Arizona High School Mock Trial program (grades 9-12)
• We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program
• LawForKids.org website
• Law-related education programs since 1980 promoting civic competence and responsibility

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on eligibility criteria, the Foundation does not fund:

• Organizations that are not IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits
• Organizations not registered to conduct business in Arizona
• Organizations not serving within Arizona's geographic area
• Programs that charge fees to low-income clients for legal services
• Non-legal service organizations (for legal services grants)
• Criminal legal representation (focus is on civil legal services)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Dr. Kevin Ruegg - CEO/Executive Director
Phone: 602-340-7356
Dr. Ruegg has over twenty years of experience working with nonprofit organizations serving marginalized populations. He has stated, "The Foundation is honored to recognize the outstanding contributions each of these awardees have made in promoting access to justice. Their dedication and leadership is a shining light for all to follow as we strive toward making our Pledge of Allegiance a daily reality – 'with liberty and justice for all.'"

Lara Slifko - Chief Operating Officer

Stephanie Sandner - Chief Financial Officer

Christine Groninger - Chief Strategy Officer
Groninger has been actively involved in advocating for state funding to supplement potential federal funding cuts, noting that a $3 million state allocation could help "prevent an all-out shuttering of services."

Board of Directors

Officers:

• Susan Brichler Trujillo - President; Partner at Quarles & Brady, specializing in Health Law
• Joseph G. Adams - President-Elect; Partner at Snell & Wilmer, commercial litigation
• Suzanne Porter - Vice President; Bar Counsel for State Bar of Arizona
• Marcus Reinkensmeyer - Secretary; Dean, ICM Fellows Program, National Center for State Courts
• Lance Broberg - Past President; Shareholder at Tiffany & Bosco
• Craig Lewandowski - Treasurer; Managing Director at KPMG

Board Members:

• Heather Baker-Mushkatel - Partner at Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile
• David Bell - Partner at Hill, Hall & DeCiancio
• Jena Decker-Xu - Business Immigration Lawyer at Fragomen
• Russell Duerkesen - Solo practitioner at Duerkesen Law
• Shawn Friend - Deputy Court Administrator, Maricopa County Superior Court
• Brian Furuya - Judge, Court of Appeals Division One
• Rachel Hernandez - Judge, Maricopa County Superior Court
• Mignonne Hollis - Executive Director, Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation
• Will Knight - Decriminalization Director, National Homelessness Law Center
• Kelsi Lane - Attorney at Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold
• Kerry Melcher - Head of Sales and Brokerage at Opendoor
• James Melendres - Trial Lawyer at Snell & Wilmer
• Richard Parks - Deputy Chief Public Defender, Yuma County
• Cole Rasmussen - Financial Advisor at JS Held
• Leslie Ross - Unit Chief Counsel, Arizona Attorney General's Civil Rights Section
• Michala Ruechel - Judge, Navajo County Superior Court
• Scott Sherman - VP and General Counsel at DBM Global
• Roxanne Song Ong - Retired Judge
• Diana Varela

The Board operates through five committees: Executive, Finance, Law Related Education, Legal Services, and Public Relations. The Board brings expertise from across the state and has won the "When Work Works" award for almost 10 consecutive years.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Current Status: The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education is not currently accepting grant applications (as of research date). When funding resources become available, updated information will be provided on the Foundation's grants page at www.azbf.org/grants.

When Applications Are Open:

1. Applications are typically posted online in mid-September
2. Application period closes within 30 days (typically by mid-October)
3. Applicants must complete the Foundation Grant Giving Program Application
4. Organizations not already approved must also complete a Board Approved Organization Application
5. All requested documents must be submitted by the due date

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Must be registered to conduct business in the State of Arizona
• Must be in good standing with the Arizona Corporation Commission
• Must serve within the Arizona geographic area
• Must provide civil legal advice, limited scope services, or representation in Arizona to low-income Arizonans at no cost
• Must be approved by the Foundation's Board of Directors to receive grant awards
• For some Foundation grants, must be recognized by the Arizona Supreme Court as an approved legal service organization

Application Method: Online through www.azbf.org/grants when open

Decision Timeline

• Application Opens: Mid-September (typically)
• Application Closes: Within 30 days (typically mid-October)
• Evaluation Period: October - December
• Notification: Mid-December
• Grant Term: January 1 - December 31 (calendar year)
• Total Timeline: Approximately 3 months from application to notification

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly disclosed. However, the Foundation currently supports 17 approved legal service agencies across Arizona, suggesting a selective but stable group of grantees.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation's reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly documented. Organizations seeking clarification should contact the Foundation directly at info@AZBF.org or through the staff contacts listed on their website.

Approved Legal Service Agencies

The Foundation has approved the following legal service agencies to receive grants:

1. Arizona Justice Project
2. Arizona Legal Women And Youth Services (ALWAYS)
3. Catholic Charities Community Services – Familias Unidas Immigration Program
4. Center for the Rights of Abused Children
5. Community Legal Services Inc.
6. Defenders of Children
7. Disability Rights Arizona
8. DNA People's Legal Services
9. Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project
10. Immigrant Survivors Legal Assistance (Catholic Social Service of Tucson)
11. Legal Services for Crime Victims in Arizona (LSCVA)
12. Phoenix Legal Action Network (PLAN)
13. SALA's Tucson Family Advocacy Program
14. Southern Arizona Legal Aid Inc. (SALA)
15. Southwest Fair Housing Council
16. Step Up to Justice
17. William E. Morris Institute for Justice

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Mission

Organizations must demonstrate clear alignment with the Foundation's mission of promoting access to justice for all Arizonans. Successful applicants:

• Provide free civil legal services exclusively to low-income Arizonans
• Demonstrate measurable impact on access to justice
• Serve populations most in need, including domestic violence victims, immigrants, children, and other vulnerable groups
• Operate statewide or in underserved geographic areas of Arizona

Organizational Capacity

The Foundation seeks organizations with:

• Strong governance and financial management
• Sustainable operational models
• Ability to provide comprehensive reporting (quarterly statistical progress reports and financial expenditure reports)
• Recognition by the Arizona Supreme Court as an approved legal service organization (for some grants)
• Good standing with the Arizona Corporation Commission

Program Quality

Successful applicants demonstrate:

• Clear service delivery models for civil legal assistance
• Documented outcomes and impact
• Collaboration with other legal service providers and community partners
• Innovation in reaching underserved populations
• Effective use of IOLTA and grant funds

Reporting and Compliance

Grant recipients must:

• Complete quarterly statistical progress reports
• Complete quarterly financial expenditure reports
• Submit reports within 45 days following the end of each quarter
• Maintain compliance with all IRS 501(c)(3) requirements
• Stay registered and in good standing in Arizona

Strategic Considerations

Given recent developments, organizations should be aware:

• The Foundation received $600,000 in state funding from Governor Katie Hobbs's $5 million legal aid allocation in 2023
• Federal funding cuts to civil legal aid are being explored, making state and IOLTA funding increasingly important
• The Foundation is exploring innovative partnerships, such as their October 2025 partnership with Eudia to "expand access to justice through Eudia's AI for Good initiative"
• Priority may be given to organizations addressing urgent justice gaps, particularly in areas like eviction defense, domestic violence, and immigration

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Pre-Approval Required: Organizations must be approved by the Foundation's Board before receiving grants. New organizations should plan to submit both a Board Approved Organization Application and a grant application simultaneously, requiring significant advance preparation.

2. Limited Application Window: With only a 30-day application window in mid-September, organizations must be ready to submit quickly with all required documentation prepared in advance.

3. Focus on Free Civil Legal Services: The Foundation exclusively funds organizations providing civil (not criminal) legal services at no cost to low-income Arizonans. Any fee-for-service model will disqualify an application.

4. Arizona Supreme Court Recognition Valuable: For many grants, recognition by the Arizona Supreme Court as an approved legal service organization is required. Organizations should pursue this designation before applying.

5. Reporting Requirements Are Rigorous: Quarterly statistical and financial reports are required within 45 days of each quarter end. Organizations must have systems in place to track and report data comprehensively.

6. Relationship Building Is Important: With only 17 approved agencies currently funded and applications currently closed, organizations should build relationships with Foundation leadership and board members through participation in Arizona's access to justice community.

7. IOLTA Funding Fluctuates: The Foundation's primary funding source is IOLTA, which can vary based on interest rates and attorney trust account balances. This affects grant availability and explains why applications are sometimes paused.

8. Consider the Broader Partnership: Beyond grants, the Foundation offers opportunities to participate in law-related education programs, pro bono initiatives, and collaborative advocacy efforts that can strengthen relationships and future grant prospects.

References

• Arizona Bar Foundation website: www.azbf.org (accessed February 2026)
• Arizona Bar Foundation Grants page: https://www.azbf.org/grants (accessed February 2026)
• Arizona Bar Foundation Approved Legal Service Agencies: https://www.azbf.org/approved-legal-service-agencies (accessed February 2026)
• Arizona Bar Foundation Board of Directors: https://www.azbf.org/about-us/meet-the-board (accessed February 2026)
• Arizona Bar Foundation Staff: https://www.azbf.org/about-us/meet-the-staff (accessed February 2026)
• Arizona Bar Foundation IOLTA Information: https://www.azbf.org/iolta/iolta-for-arizona (accessed February 2026)
• Arizona Bar Foundation Financials: https://www.azbf.org/financials (accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Arizona Foundation For Legal Services & Education: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/953351710 (accessed February 2026)
• GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/95-3351710 (accessed February 2026)
• Cause IQ Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/arizona-foundation-for-legal-services-and-educatio,953351710/ (accessed February 2026)
• Arizona Bar Foundation News: https://www.azbf.org/about-us/news (accessed February 2026)