Equal Justice proposals due

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation has set a deadline of Friday, Sept. 15, for applications and proposals for 2007 grants that will be announced Dec. 12.

The foundation distributes civil legal service funds allocated by the Illinois General Assembly for assistance to low-income residents. The funding is administered by the attorney general's office.

The legislature has authorized $3.5 million for the Equal Justice Foundation in 2007, of which approximately $3,325,000 will be available for grants after administrative costs are deducted.

The IEJF board recently adopted criteria for grants in four categories: legal information for the public, mediation services, telephone advise and referral services, and civil legal assistance.

The board also set a goal of reaching out to organizations that serve the legal needs of immigrants, particularly in the category of legal information for the public.

Guidelines and other information may be accessed at www.equaljusticeillinois.org/foundation/grants.

For additional information, contact executive director Leslie Corbett at lcorbett@iejf.org.