LSC Awards $5.9 Million in Technology Grants to 31 Civil Legal Aid Providers

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WASHINGTON-The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding 31 Technology Initiative Grants (TIG) totaling $5.9 million. LSC's TIG program supports civil legal aid organizations who seek to leverage technology for the delivery of high-quality legal assistance to low-income Americans. Organizations in 22 states are receiving TIG funding this year.

Established in 2000, the TIG program distributes grants annually to LSC-funded legal services providers. LSC has awarded 923 grants since the program's inception-totaling more than $91 million to fund technology projects for legal aid. Grant recipients have used this funding to enhance online resources for self-represented litigants, make existing tools more mobile-friendly, deploy AI to streamline intake and client services, and more.

"LSC is proud to promote innovative solutions to the access to justice crisis, including supporting legal aid organizations' efforts to embrace useful technology tools," says LSC President Ron Flagg. "The Technology Initiative Grants support projects that improve the delivery of legal services and information to people who need support navigating serious civil legal problems that impact their housing, debt, employment or family."

This year's grant recipients are leveraging technology to strengthen their organizations and expand access to legal services in different ways. Bay Area Legal Services in Florida will expand its FosterPower project, which provides foster youth with information on their rights and benefits. The Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center, in partnership with Upsolve, will launch a Debt Relief Prediction Tool to help people navigate their debt relief options using artificial intelligence. Montana Legal Services Association will overhaul and redesign its most-used automated legal forms to help self-represented litigants.

Members of Congress from both parties congratulated legal aid organizations in their states and districts on receiving TIG funding.

"We must ensure every American has access to a fair justice system, regardless of income or background, and Legal Aid of West Virginia is an absolutely invaluable organization in this mission. I'm pleased they are receiving this well-deserved funding to support technology innovation and modernization to better help low-income West Virginians navigate the legal system. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources to boost Legal Aid's critical efforts," said Senator Joe Manchin (WV).

"These Technology Initiative Grants recognize two Illinois institutions working tirelessly to bridge the civil justice gap," said Senator Dick Durbin (IL). "This funding paves the way for innovative technology solutions that address persistent challenges in our legal system, ensuring that the civil justice system is accessible to all in Illinois."

"Access to adequate legal representation for all Americans ensures our legal process works effectively," said Rep. Pete Sessions (TX-17). "I commend the mission and work of the LSC for its dedication to providing quality legal services across the nation."

Details on each grantee organization, their project and grant amounts are available here. More information on the TIG program is available here on LSC's website.