Access to Legal Services

The Objective

Increase access to legal services for low-income residents and support the pro-bono capacity of legal services providers.

The Issue

Affordable, quality, legal and advocacy assistance can help individuals gain or maintain economic security, preserve safe housing, prevent domestic violence, and maintain other basic needs. However, there is a justice gap in Marin. 7 out of 10 of Marin County’s poorest residents experiencing a legal problem do not receive individualized legal assistance. This means that there are nearly 14,000 civil legal problems not addressed each year.

Our Approach

We will support critical legal services, in areas such as eviction assistance, immigration, and employment/labor disputes, that prevent low-income people from falling into poverty. Addressing these specific problems through legal aid has the ripple effect of offering significant individual and community benefits, including higher incomes, better access to benefits, increased family stability, and homelessness prevention. We will also explore opportunities to encourage local pro-bono engagement by Marin’s legal community.

Grantmaking

A new, multi-year legal initiative is being launched in response to recent changes in federal immigration policies. “Expanding Immigration Legal Services in Marin through Department of Justice Recognition & Accreditation” will be an initiative that uses an open, competitive application process. Before applying, organizations must first consult with the Program Director Patti D’Angelo Juachon (contact information at bottom of page), and attend a two-day training in July, 2017. Proposals will be invited commencing July 15, 2017 and will be due by August 11, 2017.

This PDF contains funding guidelines, which should be read carefully to understand the application process and eligibility requirements.