Legal Services Corp Opens 2026 Grants for Low-Income Aid Providers
Published Date: 3/12/2025
Notice
Summary
The Legal Services Corporation is getting ready to offer grants starting January 2026 to help low-income people get legal aid. If you run or know a legal aid group in certain states or territories, you can apply starting mid-April 2025. The exact funding amount depends on Congress, but this is your chance to secure money to provide top-notch legal help!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Grants to expand civil legal aid starting Jan 2026
LSC announced funding is available for Basic Field grants with terms commencing in January 2026 to support high-quality civil legal services for low-income people. The availability depends on a congressional appropriation for Fiscal Year 2026, and LSC will publish a Request for Proposals for organizations to apply.
Who can apply and when applications open
If you run a legal aid organization, are a private attorney or law firm, a state or local government, or a qualifying sub-state regional planning agency, you may apply for Basic Field grants. The Pre-Application and the Request for Proposals will open in LSC's GrantEase system on or around April 15, 2025.
Specified service areas eligible for 2026 grants
LSC is requesting grant proposals for the specific service areas listed in the notice (examples include Arizona: MAZ, AZ-3, AZ-5, NAZ-6; California: CA-1, NCA-1, CA-12, CA-27, CA-28; Puerto Rico: PR-2; and many others). LSC provides three Basic Field types: General, Native American, and Agricultural Worker service areas.
Funding amounts and terms not yet determined
The notice states that the availability and the exact amount of congressionally appropriated funds, and the date, terms, and conditions of calendar year 2026 grants, have not yet been determined. Applicants should note that final funding levels depend on the Fiscal Year 2026 congressional appropriation.
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Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15839, Revised List of Federal Laws Relating to Proper Use of Federal Funds
The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is publishing this notice to announce modifications to the list of Federal laws applicable to LSC grant recipients. Following a public comment process and approval by LSC's Board of Directors, LSC is adding three Federal criminal statutes relating to fraud and misuse of Federal funds to the list maintained on LSC's website. These changes are intended to ensure that the list reflects Federal laws relating to the proper use of Federal funds.
2026-14059, Sunshine Act Meetings
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2026-08387, Cost Standards and Procedures; Purchasing and Property Management
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2026-07148, Notice to LSC Grantees of Application Process for Making 2026 Mid-Year and 2027 Basic Field Fund Subgrants
If you get money from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to help low-income people with legal services, this notice is for you! It explains how and when to apply to share (subgrant) your 2026 mid-year and 2027 Basic Field Grant funds. Applications open soon, with a big deadline on June 1, 2026, so get ready to submit your paperwork and keep the funds flowing.
2026-04666, Notice of Funding Availability and Request for Proposals for Calendar Year 2027 Basic Field Grant Awards
The Legal Services Corporation is getting ready to offer grants in 2027 to help groups provide free legal help to low-income people across the U.S. and territories. If you want to apply, you’ll need to submit a pre-application starting around April 13, 2026, and then a full proposal once approved. The exact funding amount isn’t set yet, but this is your chance to get support for important legal aid work starting January 2027.
2025-01789, Income Level for Individuals Eligible for Assistance
Starting January 28, 2025, the Legal Services Corporation updated the income limits for people who can get free legal help. If your income is up to 125% of the federal poverty level, you qualify, and there’s a handy chart for those earning up to 200% to check if exceptions apply. This change follows the latest government poverty guidelines and helps make sure legal aid reaches those who need it most.
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