A total of 36 grants will be given to 29 organisations
A total of 29 legal services organisations in the US are set to receive US$4,268,938 in tech grants from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) as funding for projects that aim to bolster access to high-quality legal aid for low-income Americans.
The LSC announced on Wednesday that it would award 36 Technology Initiative Grants (TIGs) to eligible candidates. Projects supported by the grants include those that are developing new tools and apps geared towards vulnerable groups.
“LSC’s Technology Initiative Grants support projects that improve the delivery of legal services and information to people who would otherwise have to navigate the legal system alone. These projects use technology to leverage scarce human resources and increase access to justice for low-income individuals and families facing critical legal needs such as unemployment, evictions, or domestic violence,” LSC President Ronald S. Flagg explained.
Grant recipients hail from various states around the country, such as Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Michigan, Tennessee and Washington.
“Without equal access to legal resources and representation, there is no justice for all. This federal funding will help LSC leverage technology to match Connecticut attorneys with people in Connecticut who need access to legal aid,” Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy explained. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations committee, I’m continuing to push for more funding for LSC so they can continue to do their important work in our state.”
Massachusetts’ Northeast Legal Aid will apply the fund to its development of an app that will help low-income tenants experiencing poor housing conditions. Meanwhile, Bay Area Legal Services in Florida will utilise the funds for a web and mobile platform that empowers youth in foster care.
Organisations are also looking to use the TIGs to enhance their current case management and online intake systems, boosting efficiency.
“Through these substantial Technology Initiative Grants, Kansas Legal Services will be able to better communicate with the clients they are advocating for, as well as provide a safe space for domestic violence survivors to communicate parenting details and time exchanges. These are essential developments that are sure to help Kansans in their time of need,” Kansas Senator Roger Marshall said. “Kansas Legal Services goes above and beyond to serve those in need, and I applaud the Legal Services Corporation for investing in the expansion of their mission in my home state.”
Launched in 2000, the LSC’s TIG program has already released over US$77m in 826 grants to support the tech projects of legal services providers. The recipients of this year’s TIGs are as follows:
