Recent News: The CBF is advocating that members of Congress support an appropriation of at least $435 million for Legal Services Corporation (“LSC”) during the appropriation for Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies. The CBF also urges that, during this year’s LSC appropriation process, Congress remove some of the burdensome restrictions on LSC grantees, including lifting the restrictions on the use of non-federal funds and attorneys’ fees. More ...

The CBF advocates for adequate and effective funding for legal aid and related access to justice initiatives at the federal, state and local government levels. Our advocacy funding priorities are as follows:

Encouraging adequate federal funding of legal aid programs, with regulations that ensure transparency and accountability at organizations receiving this funding in a fair and effective manner (click here for more information)

Supporting meaningful state funding of legal aid programs through the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation (click here for more information)

Fostering local commitment to promote access to justice through partnerships and funding of self-help resources for the courts (click here for more information)

For more information on The Chicago Bar Foundation’s advocacy work relating to funding of legal aid programs and to get involved, please contact Danielle Hirsch at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 312-554-4952.