The Maryland Legal Services Corporation annually awards grants to nonprofit organizations which provide civil legal services to eligible persons. Grants are awarded pursuant to Maryland Code, Human Services, Article 11  with an emphasis on areas of need identified in Maryland’s legal needs study, “Action Plan for Legal Services to Maryland’s Poor.”

By statute, the Corporation’s funds must be used by grantees to provide legal assistance to eligible clients in noncriminal proceedings or other matters. The definition of “legal assistance” means the legal representation of eligible clients and includes training, research, coordination with private attorneys and other activities necessary to insure the delivery of quality legal services. Client income eligibility is established as a maximum income of 50% of the median family income for the State of Maryland.

MLSC annually requires programmatic and financial audits of each grantee to assure compliance with the terms and conditions of the grant award. The Corporation also encourages coordination among the grantees and provides technical assistance to promote improvements in legal services delivery.

For a more detailed description of funding guidelines, potential grantees should review Maryland Code, Human Resources, Article 11 and request a copy of MLSC’s grant application packet. A nonprofit organization interested in applying for a grant should send a brief description of the proposed program to the Corporation. If the proposed program appears to fit grant guidelines, the Corporation will request a formal application and more detailed information.

For current grant application forms, see Grant Application Process, where forms will be posted when available.

A decision on each grant application is made by the Corporation’s Board of Directors.

Requests for information and inquiries about grants should be directed to the MLSC deputy director at 410.576.9494 or 800.492.1340 (toll free) or hrobinson@mlsc.org.