In passing the Illinois Equal Justice Act in 1999, the State of Illinois committed to protecting its citizens by guaranteeing access to the legal system. The Act recognized the State’s responsibility to provide financial support for legal aid services through the creation and funding of the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation.
The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation (IEJF), a 501 c 3 tax exempt organization, distributes funding appropriated by the State to support not-for-profit legal aid programs. The funding for the IEJF, which comes through an appropriation through the Office of the Attorney General, directly helps families in crisis, victims of domestic violence and seniors facing abuse and financial exploitation. The IEJF supports innovative, cost-effective legal aid programs that empower clients to resolve legal issues and regain control of their lives. These programs offer information, guidance, advice, representation and tools to help clients understand the legal system and their rights within it.
On December 7, 2012, the Board of Directors unanimously approved grants to 14 non-profit organizations totaling $1,330,000. To see a list of all our grants, click here.
