WASHINGTON – The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that Montana Legal Serviceswill receive a $236,797 Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant. LSC’s Pro Bono Innovation Fund is intended to encourage and expand robust pro bono efforts and partnerships to serve more low-income clients.
Montana Legal Services will use the grant to develop and support a statewide network of retired attorneys to provide advice and limited-scope services to low-income clients throughout the state. Volunteers will provide legal advice through the Montana Pro Bono Connect Phone Advice Program. They will also mentor and provide litigation support to Montana Legal Services Association attorneys.
“We are grateful to Congress for establishing the Pro Bono Innovation Fund and for increasing funding by $500,000 this year,” said Jim Sandman, President of LSC. “These grants stimulate more volunteer participation by the private bar, leverage the federal investment in civil legal aid, and allow our grantees to reach more people in need of civil legal assistance.”
Members of the Montana congressional delegation applauded the grant:
Senator Steve Daines: “Going to court can be challenging especially when you don’t have the resources. Organizations like Montana Legal Services are critical to helping those Montanan’s who need assistance. I’m glad to support the recent funding and will continue to be a supporter of important programs like Montana Legal Services.”
For more information on the Pro Bono Innovation Fund and the 2018 grantees, click here.