The Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois (LTF) makes grants to non-profit organizations that provide free civil legal aid to low-income Illinois residents.

LTF grantees provide a “legal safety net” for people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, but face serious problems related to issues such as domestic violence, child custody, eviction, foreclosure, elder abuse, access to medical care, immigration, and other critical needs.

LTF is among the largest single sources of funding for the legal aid system in Illinois. LTF grants currently support 49 legal aid organizations across the state. Last year, these organizations utilized hundreds of staff attorneys and paralegals and thousands of pro bono to close nearly 118,000 legal cases on behalf of low-income Illinoisans.

Applying for a grant

LTF awards grants on a calendar year basis. Annual grants have been awarded for 2025 and that application process is now closed. The application opportunity for 2026 will open in July 2025. For information about applying for a grant, visit the How to Apply page. For more information contact Deputy Executive Director for Grants & Legal Affairs David Holtermann at 312-938-3076 or via email.