Purpose:  To invest ACJF resources toward finding solutions to pressing state problems impacting Alabamians. Grants funded must be within the ACJF funding areas to produce positive sustainable change.

ACJF is offering two competitive grant cycles in 2021.  Spring 2021 opens February 1, 2021.  The Fall cycle opens August 27, 2021.

The grant period will be for one year, and the maximum grant award is $25,000. It is anticipated that there will be a limited number of grants awarded, so that the amount of each ACJF grant will be at a level to have meaningful impact. If an application is not approved, organizations may apply during the next grant period.

What is the ACJF?
The Alabama Civil Justice Foundation is a statewide grantmaking foundation. Its mission is to assist in removing barriers to a civil and just society for Alabama families and children. Through charitable contributions and IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Account) funds from Alabama’s legal community, the Foundation is able to provide financial assistance to worthwhile charitable organizations serving disadvantaged and disabled children, families and seniors.

Competitive Grant Types:

I.  Operating Expense Grants – Maximum grant award is $25,000. These grant awards will be made to organizations to be used in any way deemed necessary for carrying out its mission, including overhead. The grant funds will be unrestricted; therefore, the applicant will not need to specify how the funds are to be used. Proposals for Operating Expense Grants may be based on the Organization or a specific Project within the organization.

• Organization Based Operating Expense Grants:  Applicants will present the organization as a whole, its mission, accomplishments, and future goals. 
• Project Based Operating Expense Grants:  Applicants will present a brief overview of the organization with a more thorough focus on one project, its mission, accomplishments, and future goals. 

II.  Access to Justice Grants – Maximum grant award is $25,000. ACJF seeks to ensure that Alabama citizens, regardless of income, have access to justice. The Foundation makes strategic investments in legal aid providers and the critical issues facing Alabama residents in order to strengthen and expand our civil legal aid network and improve our community. 

Our grants support organizations that provide meaningful access to the civil justice system, especially for the underserved and underrepresented. These grants will enhance the availability of civil legal aid; encourage pro bono legal work; and/or educate the community about the judicial system.

Click for more information on ACJF’s   Funding Categories & Grant Criteria.