IOLTA Grants

The Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program works with members of the Idaho State Bar and Idaho’s banking community to place client funds into interest-bearing accounts. Participating banks then remit interest earned on these accounts directly to the Idaho Law Foundation (ILF) who in turn distributes these funds through the IOLTA granting process.

Since 1985, Idaho’s IOLTA Grant Program has awarded $7,733,000 in grant funding to Idaho programs and projects that serve the public.

Applications for 2026 grants are now open and will close on September 15.

IOLTA Grants Awarded from 2023-2025

Eligibility Criteria

Pursuant to Idaho Bar Commission Rule 1309, adopted by the Idaho Supreme Court, IOLTA will consider funding requests for organizations that meet one of the following funding criteria areas:

Legal Aid to the Poor

Legal Aid to the Poor includes Civil legal services provided to low-income individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney in non-criminal matters. Examples include but are not limited to housing, family law, public benefits, employment issues, and consumer rights.

Law Related Education for the Public

Law Related Education for the Public refers to programs and projects designed to inform and engage the public about the law, our legal system, and their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Its goal is to foster a civically literate citizenry capable of understanding, respecting, and participating effectively in the legal and civic systems. LRE is often supported by schools, nonprofit organizations, legal professionals, and government agencies, and it plays a crucial role in strengthening democracy and promoting justice.

Administration of Justice

Administration of Justice includes programs and projects that ensure the legal system enforces laws, resolves disputes, and ensures that justice is upheld and people, especially those from underserved communities, are protected fairly and impartially under the law. Examples include but are not limited to court support services that help individuals navigate the court system and victim services that offer resources to those involved with the justice system.

Scholarships and Student Loans

Scholarships and Student Loans include, for example, funds to support law students engaging in public interest work.

IOLTA funds cannot be used for:

• Endowments or reserve funds;
• Lobbying activities;
• Fundraising events or campaigns; or
• Expenses from previous years

Application Process

Although the final amount available for grant awards cannot be determined until the 2025 year- end fund balances have been calculated, ILF anticipates the availability of approximately $900,000 for 2026 grant awards.

Applications are now open and will close on September 15. ILF will notify applicants of the grant decisions at the end of October.

Required Application Documents

• Filled and signed grant cover sheet
• Grant narrative (5 pages or less; questions included in the application)
• Budget specific to the program or project applied for
• Organizational operating budget
• Most recent audited financials

Submission Instructions

• Our preferred method for submission is through email, sent to Shay Beckwith (sbeckwith@isb.idaho.gov).
• If you are mailing the application, send it to The Idaho Law Foundation, ATTN: IOLTA Program, P.O. Box 895, Boise, Idaho 83701. NOTE: if you are mailing the application, it must be received in our office by the deadline, not just postmarked by that date.
• If you are dropping off the application in person, our address is 525 W. Jefferson St. Boise, ID 83702. Our office is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (MDT).

Current Grantees

Contact

For questions and additional information, contact Shay Beckwith at (208) 334-4500.