Legal Services Corporation Opens Applications for 2027 Pro Bono Grants
Published Date: 11/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The Legal Services Corporation is opening applications for its 2027 Pro Bono Innovation Fund grants, which help legal groups create new and better ways for volunteer lawyers to assist people in need. If you’re already an LSC grantee, you can apply by January 13, 2027, through their online system. These grants aim to boost pro bono work with fresh ideas and support projects that can inspire others nationwide.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Only Current LSC Grantees May Apply
You can apply for a 2027 Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant only if your organization is a current LSC grantee of Basic Field‑General, Basic Field‑Migrant, or Basic Field‑Native American grants. This eligibility requirement limits applicants to organizations already funded by LSC.
Sustainability Grants Require 2025 PBIF Project Grant
To be eligible for a Sustainability Grant, your organization must have received a 2025 PBIF Project Grant. Only organizations with that prior 2025 Project Grant can apply for Sustainability funding.
Grant Lengths and October 1, 2027 Start Date
Project and Sustainability Grants have 24‑month terms, and Grantee Engagement Scholarships have 12‑month terms. Grant activities must cover the full proposed term, which begins on October 1, 2027.
Funding Depends on FY27 Appropriation; Decisions in Summer 2027
Whether PBIF funds are available for FY27 depends on LSC's appropriation; LSC's FY27 funding level is unknown. Final decisions on FY27 PBIF Grants will be made in summer 2027, and LSC will update funding details when available.
Engagement Scholarship Eligibility Excludes Active PBIF Grantees
To apply for a Grantee Engagement Scholarship, your organization cannot have an active PBIF Grant between October 1, 2027 and September 30, 2028. If you will have an active PBIF grant during that period, you are ineligible for the Scholarship.
Key Application Deadlines and Online Submission
Project and Sustainability Applicants must submit a Pre‑Application in GrantEase by January 13, 2027; Full Applications (for those invited) are due in GrantEase on May 6, 2027, and applicants will be notified of invitations by March 2027. Grantee Engagement Scholarship Applicants must submit a Full Application by January 13, 2027. All submissions must be electronic through GrantEase.
You May Apply for Multiple Grants
Organizations may submit applications for more than one PBIF grant, either within a category or across categories, but must submit separate Pre‑Applications or Applications for each funding request.
Late or Incomplete Submission Rules
LSC may consider late submissions only if the applicant emails [email protected] by January 11, 2027 explaining the delay; LSC may consider incomplete submissions at its discretion on a case‑by‑case basis.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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