MBF Awards $4.8 Million in Grants for Legal Aid Programs Across Massachusetts

2024/2025 awards represent the highest funding level since 2008.

The MBF Board of Trustees has approved over $4.8 million in funding to 82 nonprofit legal aid programs across the state through its annual Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) grants program. This significant funding will support a wide array of critical civil legal services throughout the Commonwealth.

As one of three charitable entities distributing funds from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's IOLTA program, the MBF plays a crucial role in providing financial support for essential legal assistance. The grants will fund direct civil legal services in areas such as housing, domestic violence, immigration, education advocacy, and healthcare advocacy. Additionally, grants aimed at improving the administration of justice will support court-connected mediation, conciliation, and lawyer for the day programs.

“This year’s funding amount is the highest the Foundation has awarded since 2008,” said MBF President G. Perry Wu. He noted that higher interest rates have significantly boosted the available funding for civil legal services. “After a decade of nearly flatlined interest rates, the MBF is thrilled to see this uptick in IOLTA funding, which enhances our capacity to support the life-changing work of legal aid programs throughout the state.”

The organizations supported by the MBF are dedicated to ensuring justice for thousands of low-income individuals and families across Massachusetts. “We are inspired and energized by their work and proud to support their efforts,” said Wu.

Over 80 attorneys and judges, all members of the MBF’s Society of Fellows, volunteered their time and expertise to review applications, conduct site visits, and help ensure the equitable distribution of Massachusetts IOLTA funds.

A complete listing of the 2024/2025 IOLTA grant recipients, is available here.