Grant Programs
The Vermont Bar Foundation offers grants to organizations that help low-income Vermonters gain access to the justice system and provide public education relating to the law.
The Foundation’s funds come primarily from its Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) Program, a successful partnership between Vermont lawyers and the banking and credit union communities. The Foundation disburses funds through two grant programs.
The Non-Competitive Grants Program
The Non-Competitive Grants Program provides funds annually to grantee organizations. There is no application process for these grants. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded the bulk of its funds to Vermont Legal Aid, which provides direct legal services at no charge to disadvantaged Vermonters. More recently, the Foundation has expanded non-competitive grant recipients to include Vermont Law School’s Legal Clinic, Vermont Bar Assocation’s Legal Access Coordinator and Have Justice-Will Travel.
The Hon. John A. Dooley Competitive Grants Program
The Competitive Grants Program is comprised of grantees chosen through an annual application process. The organizations chosen for the Competitive Grants provide direct legal services to low-income Vermont residents and educate Vermonters about the law.
2022 Competitive Grants Program
The Board of Directors of the Vermont Bar Foundation will be accepting grant applications from Vermont not-for-profit entities.
Application Dates –
- Letter of Intent: Interested applicants should submit a letter of intent by January 21, 2022
- Applicant conference call: This is required for all first-time applicants. It is optional for repeat applicants. January 28, 2022 from Noon to 1:00p.m.
- Application due date: Completed applications are due no later than 4:00p.m. on March 7, 2022
Questions? Contact Josie Leavitt, Interim Executive Director:
Vermont Bar Foundation
P.O. Box 1170
Montpelier, VT 05601-1170
Phone 802 223-1400
Fax 802 229-4051
Email