COVID-19

Michigan Indian Legal Service: Building Trust and Increasing Justice Through Presence in Tribal Communities

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:19:57 +0000

Michigan Indian Legal Service: Building Trust and Increasing Justice Through Presence in Tribal Communities sierra-chacona… Tue, 04/22/2025 - 11:19

In this case study, learn how Michigan Indian Legal Services establishes trust within tribal communities by maintaining an active in-person presence.

Building Trust and Increasing Justice Through Presence in Tribal Communities

Grantees will learn how Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS):

1. Builds trust and relationships with tribal nations through consistent in-person presence,

2. Maximizes its capacity to serve as many constituents as possible, and

3. Navigates and overcomes service delivery challenges.

Hear from Cameron Fraser, MILS's Executive Director, about lessons learned and replicable practices for LSC grantees serving Indigenous populations.

View Case Study

"Having coworkers be involved in the [Native communities] and a part of the families helps a lot and ensures that we are providing a competent place for people to get legal services."

Cameron Fraser

Executive Director, MILS

More Providing Legal Services Resources

Visit this MPI topic page to explore providing legal services resources.

Explore Providing Legal Services Resources

More Model Practices & Innovations

Visit this page to explore additional Model Practices & Innovations resources.

Model Practices and Innovations Resources

Outreach COVID-19 Native American Rural

Michigan

Traveling the Distance to Train Tribal Lay Advocates

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 14:24:26 +0000

Traveling the Distance to Train Tribal Lay Advocates sierra-chacona… Thu, 08/08/2024 - 10:24

In this case study, learn how the Montana Legal Services Association expanded its legal aid capacity in rural and tribal communities through the Montana Tribal Advocacy Incubator Project.

Montana Legal Services Association: Traveling the Distance to Train Tribal Lay

Grantees will learn how the Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA):

1. Built the Tribal Advocacy Incubator (TAI) Project to expand legal aid capacity;

2. Developed an education program to recruit, train, and mentor tribal lay advocates; and

3. Addressed gaps in training and quality representation by standardizing practices.

Hear from Kathryn Seaton, Tribal Law Attorney at MLSA, and Valerie Falls Down, TAI Project Coordinator, about partnering with tribal courts to recruit, train, mentor, and support tribal lay advocates to provide legal assistance to low-income Native Americans.

Read Case Study

“The Montana Legal Services Association’s Tribal Advocacy Incubator Project originated with an understanding: Montana’s legal community is small, and the number of people who practice tribal law is even smaller.”

Kathryn Seaton

Tribal Law Attorney, Montana Legal Services Association

More on Providing Legal Services

Visit this MPI topic page to explore resources on effective legal service delivery models.

Explore Providing Legal Services Resources

More Model Practices & Innovations

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Explore Model Practices & Innovations Resources

Outreach Strategic Planning Training COVID-19 Native American Rural

Montana

Eviction and COVID-19 Cases

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:37:11 +0000

Eviction and COVID-19 Cases sierra-chacona… Wed, 08/07/2024 - 12:37

In this case study, learn how Idaho Legal Aid Services and Legal Aid of Western Michigan implemented action plans to help clientele in danger of losing housing during COVID-19.

Model Practices and Innovations: Eviction and COVID-19 Cases

Grantees will learn how Idaho Legal Aid Services (ILAS) and Legal Aid of Western Michigan (LAWM):

1. Accommodated the influx of housing and eviction assistance requests during COVID-19;

2. Created informative videos to educate the community about the eviction process; and

3. Spearheaded a statewide eviction diversion program (EDP) to provide early intervention.

Hear from Jacob Workman, Managing Attorney at ILAS, and Karen Tjapkes, Director of Litigation at LAWM, about managing an influx of civil legal aid requests and the expanding number of low-income individuals and families receiving eviction assistance during COVID-19.

Read Case Study

"The most successful eviction diversion programs established under Michigan’s new eviction diversion structure brought together local housing agencies, legal service programs, district courts, Health and Human Services offices, and other stakeholders.”

Excerpt from Case Study

More on Providing Legal Services

Visit this MPI topic page to explore resources on effective legal service delivery models.

Explore Providing Legal Services Resources

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Visit this page to explore additional Model Practices & Innovations resources.

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Intake Leading and Managing an Organization Strategic Planning Technology COVID-19 Housing / Evictions

Idaho

Building Bridges Across the Digital Divide

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:12:49 +0000

Building Bridges Across the Digital Divide sierra-chacona… Wed, 08/07/2024 - 12:12

Learn how Legal Services of North Florida launched mobile units to reach low income residents facing digital challenges in this case study.

Legal Services of North Florida: Building Bridges Across the Digital Divide

Grantees will learn how Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF):

1. Implemented digital solutions and outreach for increased legal aid demands;

2. Created and sent mobile units to areas recovering from natural disasters; and

3. Increased housing assistance cases and digital intake capacity

Hear from Leslie Powell-Boudreaux, Executive Director of LSNF, and Charlotte Waters, Communications Director, about measures SNF took to increase its online intake capacity, manage case logistics, and educate court personnel about digital challenge facing its clients during natural disasters.

Read Case Study

”LSNF’s multimedia outreach on social media, radio, and printed fliers throughout Hurricane Michael’s recovery efforts and COVID-19 contributed to a large increase in housing assistance applications, particularly for evictions.”

Charlotte Waters

Communications Director, Legal Services of North Florida

More on Providing Legal Services

Visit this MPI topic page to explore resources on effective legal service delivery models.

Explore Providing Legal Services Resources

More Model Practices & Innovations

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Intake Outreach Strategic Planning Technology COVID-19 Disasters Rural

Florida

Expanding Services to Bridge the Digital Divide

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 15:29:17 +0000

Expanding Services to Bridge the Digital Divide sierra-chacona… Mon, 07/29/2024 - 11:29

Learn how Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota established legal kiosks and mobile legal aid offices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dialing Up: How Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota Expanded Its Services to Bridge the Digital Divide

Grantees will learn how Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM):

1. Assisted communities cut off by the digital divide;

2. Instituted resource, technology, and emergency staffing infrastructure; and

3. Established legal kiosks and mobile legal aid offices.

Hear from Anne Hoefgen, Executive Director of Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM), and Kelly Wencl, Communications & Outreach Coordinator, about approaches to increase accessibility, rapid assistance, community partnerships, and outreach to communities cut off by the digital divide.

View Case Study

"LSNM focused on ‘pandemic positives’: learning how to serve people and use resources better based on lessons gleaned from these challenges."

Anne Hoefgen

Executive Director, Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota

More on Providing Legal Services

Visit this MPI topic page to explore providing legal services resources.

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More Model Practices and Innovations

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Intake Outreach Strategic Planning Technology COVID-19 Rural

Michigan

Talk Justice: Episode Sixty

richardsons@lsc.gov — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:59:15 +0000

Talk Justice: Episode Sixty richardsons@lsc.gov Wed, 06/21/2023 - 11:59

Talk Justice: Episode Thirty One

richardsons@lsc.gov — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 15:58:49 +0000

Talk Justice: Episode Thirty One richardsons@lsc.gov Tue, 03/22/2022 - 11:58

Talk Justice: Episode Twenty Three

richardsons@lsc.gov — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 18:16:17 +0000

Talk Justice: Episode Twenty Three richardsons@lsc.gov Tue, 11/23/2021 - 13:16

Talk Justice: Episode Eighteen

richardsons@lsc.gov — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 16:13:59 +0000

Talk Justice: Episode Eighteen richardsons@lsc.gov Wed, 09/15/2021 - 12:13

How to Apply for a Disaster Grant

admin — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 14:38:38 +0000

How to Apply for a Disaster Grant admin Wed, 04/14/2021 - 10:38

LSC's Disaster Grants program provides funding to LSC-funded organizations providing services to survivors of government-declared emergencies and coordinating preparation efforts for future natural disasters.

Contact the Disaster Team

LSCDisasterGrants@LSC.gov

Disaster Relief Emergency Grants (DREG) (Applications Closed)

Notice of Funds Availability and Public Notice
Eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Instructions
2023 Special Grants Terms & Conditions
GrantEase Technical Training and Assistance

LSC has issued a Notice of Funds Availability describing the application and award process for the Disaster Relief Emergency Grants. This grant program provides funds as needed to LSC grantees in areas with government-declared emergencies. Those funds are for responses to damage sustained or a surge in demand for legal aid because of the emergency.

Emergency Grants Notice in Federal Register

In order to apply for an Emergency Relief Grant, your program must meet the following criteria:

Be a current LSC grantee and;
Provide services in an area where any government, tribal government, or equivalent has made an emergency declaration, including federally declared disasters as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); or
Provide services in an area where there has been any other substantial emergency.

Please contact the LSCDisasterGrants@LSC.gov if you are unsure your emergency qualifies.

The questions in this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document originate from questions LSC has received from LSC grantees. Questions are revised or combined to appeal to a broader audience, where appropriate. This FAQ is a working document that will be updated as new questions are received from LSC grantees throughout the application period. Each page includes when the latest update occurred.

All applicants are encouraged to schedule a technical assistance meeting with the Disaster Team prior to applying by contacting the LSCDisasterGrants@LSC.gov.

DREG Frequently Asked Questions

These Pre-Application and Application Instructions provide applicants important information about Disaster Relief Emergency Grants Funding Opportunity and detailed guidance on preparing and drafting your application.

The Instructions are organized into three main parts: the Structure of the Grant Application in GrantEase, steps for completing a Disaster Relief Emergency Grant Pre-Application, and steps for completing a Disaster Relief Emergency Grant Application. These instructions provide substantive information and the step-by-step process in GrantEase.

Application Instructions - DREG

All grants awarded under this funding opportunity will be subject to LSC’s 2023 Special Grant Terms and Conditions.

By accepting this Disaster Relief Emergency Grant (Special Grant), you agree to the following terms and conditions, which will govern our relationship and your activities involving this Special Grant.

2023 Special Grant Terms and Conditions

Training and technical assistance videos and materials are available on the GrantEase Training Resources webpage.

Please open the Special Grants section and look for the entries for the Disaster Relief Emergency Grant.

GrantEase Training Resources

2023 Midwest Legal Disaster Coordination Project (Applications Closed)

Notice of Funds Availability
Eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Instructions
2023 Special Grant Terms & Conditions
Useful Links
Informational Webinar
GrantEase Training and Technical Assistance

LSC has issued a Notice of Funds Availability describing the application and award process for the 2023 Midwest Legal Disaster Coordination Project funding opportunity to support and develop a systematic approach to prepare for and respond to the often-unanticipated legal needs of low-income Americans who have experienced a disaster in the Midwest Disaster Region. The Midwest Disaster Region includes Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.

LSC published a Notice of Funds Available directing anyone interested to this webpage for additional information.

Read the Notice of Funds Available

LSC will award two types of grants under the 2023 Midwest Legal Disaster Coordination Project funding opportunity: Midwest Legal Disaster Coordination Project Grants and Mentorship Grants.

Midwest Legal Disaster Coordination Project Grants will be competitively awarded to current LSC Grantees in the Midwest Disaster Region to improve coordinated disaster preparedness as described within this notice. Grantees are eligible if they have not previously received a Midwest Legal Disaster Coordination Project Grant focused on disaster resiliency. Applicants must have a service area within the designated Midwest Disaster Region, which includes Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
The Midwest Legal Coordination Project Mentorship Grant is for invited prior Midwest Legal Coordination Project grantees to provide mentorship services in the form of technical assistance to the current group of project grantees.

All applicants are encouraged to schedule a technical assistance meeting with the Disaster Team prior to applying by contacting LSCDisasterGrants@LSC.gov.

Read the FAQ

Application Instructions will provide applicants important information about the 2023 Midwest Legal Disaster Coordination Project funding opportunities and detailed guidance on preparing and drafting your application.

View Instructions

All grants awarded under this funding opportunity will be subject to LSC’s 2023 Special Grant Terms and Conditions.

By accepting this 2023 Midwest Legal Disaster Coordination Project grant, you agree to the following terms and conditions, which will govern our relationship and your activities involving this Special Grant.

Read the Grant Terms and Conditions

The links provided in this document contain information and guidance for completing applications under the 2023 Midwest Legal Disaster Coordination Project. Applicants are encouraged to review the resources linked in this document prior to starting a grant application.

Review Useful Links

The LSC Disaster Team and Office of Compliance and Enforcement (OCE) hosted a webinar on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, to answer questions from any LSC grantees applying for a grant under the 2023 MLDCP funding opportunity. Please watch this webinar to learn more about the application processes and guidelines for these grants. Watch the recording or view the PowerPoint slides.

View Webinar Recording

Training and technical assistance videos and materials are available on the GrantEase Training Resources webpage. Please open the Special Grants section and look for the entries for 2023 Midwest Legal Disaster Coordination Project.

GrantEase Training Resources Webpage

2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Grants (Applications Closed)

Notice of Funds Availability and Public Notice
Eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Instructions
2023 Special Grant Terms & Conditions
Informational Webinar
GrantEase Training and Technical Assistance

LSC has issued a Notice of Funds Availability describing the application and award process for the 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation grants to support the delivery of legal services related to the consequences of hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, severe storms, and other extreme weather that occurred in calendar year 2022.

On March 20, 2023, LSC published a public notice in the Federal Register directing anyone interested to this webpage for additional information.

Read the NOFA—2022 Grants

First, current LSC grantees engaging in activities and providing legal services related to the consequences of hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and other extreme weather that occurred in calendar year 2022 are eligible to apply for the Project Grant and/or Incurred Costs Grant funding opportunity. Please see the LSC List of Eligible Disasters for the 2022 Supplemental Appropriation Funding Opportunity, which includes disasters that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has designated as Major Disaster Declarations that include Individual Assistance and/or Public Assistance. This eligible disaster list will be regularly updated throughout the application period to ensure that new Major Disaster Declarations are added, where appropriate.

Second, any LSC Grantee, regardless of whether they have an eligible disaster in their service area, with extensive experience in disaster response and preparation may apply for a Project Grant to provide mentorship services to other LSC Grantees serving 2022 disaster survivors.

Finally, if low-income disaster survivors who were impacted by one of the eligible disasters have moved to your service area and are seeking disaster civil legal services from your organization, you may be eligible for funding. Please reach out to the LSC Disaster Team at LSCDisasterGrants@LSC.gov for confirmation.

LSC List of Eligible Disasters—2022 Grants

All applicants are encouraged to schedule a technical assistance meeting with the Disaster Team prior to applying by contacting LSCDisasterGrants@LSC.gov.

Read the FAQ—2022 Grants

These Application Instructions provide applicants important information about the 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation funding opportunity and detailed guidance on preparing and drafting your application.

The Application Instructions are organized into three main parts: the Structure of the Grant Application in GrantEase, steps for completing a Project Grant Application, and steps for completing an Incurred Costs Grant Application. These instructions provide substantive information and the step-by-step process in GrantEase.

Application Instructions—2022 Grants

All grants awarded under this funding opportunity will be subject to LSC’s 2023 Special Grant Terms and Conditions.

By accepting this 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Grant (Special Grant), you agree to the following terms and conditions, which will govern our relationship and your activities involving this Special Grant.

Special Grants Terms & Conditions—2023

The LSC Disaster Team and Office of Compliance and Enforcement (OCE) hosted a webinar on Monday, April 17, 2023, to answer questions from any LSC grantees applying for a grant under the 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Funding Opportunity. Please watch this webinar to learn more about the application processes and guidelines for these Disaster Grants. Watch the webinar recording or view the webinar PowerPoint slides.

View Webinar Recording

Training and technical assistance videos and materials are available on the GrantEase Training Resources webpage.

Please open the Special Grants section and look for the entries for Disaster Relief Emergency Grant.

GrantEase Training Resources Webpage

2020–2021 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Grants (Applications Closed)

Notice of Funds Availability
Eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Instructions
2022 Special Grant Terms & Conditions
Useful Links
GrantEase Training and Technical Assistance

The ��˶�� (LSC) issued a Notice of Funds Availability describing the application and award process for the 2020-2021 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation grants to support the delivery of legal services related to the consequences of hurricanes, wildfires, other extreme weather, and earthquakes that occurred in calendar years 2020 and 2021.

Read the NOFA

Please see the LSC List of Eligible Disasters for the 2020-2021 Supplemental Appropriation Funding Opportunity, which includes disasters that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has designated as Major Disaster Declarations that include Individual Assistance and/or Public Assistance. This eligible disaster list will be regularly updated throughout the application period to ensure that new Major Disaster Declarations are added, where appropriate.

Please contact the LSCDisasterGrants@LSC.gov if you are unsure if your emergency qualifies.

Review the LSC List of Eligible Disasters

All applicants are encouraged to schedule a technical assistance meeting with the Disaster Team prior to applying by contacting LSCDisasterGrants@LSC.gov

Read the FAQ

These Application Instructions provide applicants important information about the 2020-2021 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Funding Opportunity and detailed guidance on preparing and drafting your application.

Read the Application Instructions

All grants awarded under this funding opportunity will be subject to LSC’s 2022 Special Grant Terms and Conditions.

By accepting this 2020–2021 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Grant (Special Grant), you agree to the following terms and conditions, which will govern our relationship and your activities involving this Special Grant.

Read the Terms & Conditions

The links provided in this document contain information and guidance for completing applications under the 2020–2021 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Funding Opportunity. Applicants are encouraged to review these resources prior to starting a grant application.

Review Useful Links

GrantEase Training Resources Webpage

Please Note:

The Disaster Grant application instructions for the 2020-2021 DSA, 2022 DSA, and Disaster Relief Grant competitions incorrectly state that holidays, leave, and similar benefits must be budgeted under Salaries/Wages. LSC Program Letter 2021-01 clarifies that applicants should instead follow their normal accounting practices when classifying leave costs, including charging them through fringe or indirect pools. Applicants should prepare budgets in line with 45 C.F.R. Part 1630 and the LSC Financial Guide. LSC will revise all future disaster-grant application materials to align with this guidance. Current grantees with questions about this policy may email LSCDisasterGrants@LSC.gov.

COVID-19 Disaster Grant Disasters Accepting Applications Grant Program

small

richardsons@lsc.gov

COVID-19

Michigan Indian Legal Service: Building Trust and Increasing Justice Through Presence in Tribal Communities

Building Trust and Increasing Justice Through Presence in Tribal Communities

: Ensuring Tribal Justice: How Oklahoma Indian Legal Services Advocates for Native Populations

Montana Legal Services Association: Traveling the Distance to Train Tribal Lay Advocates

Anishinabe Legal Services: Capital Fundraising Campaign

More Providing Legal Services Resources

More Model Practices & Innovations

Traveling the Distance to Train Tribal Lay Advocates

Montana Legal Services Association: Traveling the Distance to Train Tribal Lay

“The Montana Legal Services Association’s Tribal Advocacy Incubator Project originated with an understanding: Montana’s legal community is small, and the number of people who practice tribal law is even smaller.”

Moving Beyond Lawyer-Based Solutions with Community Justice Workers

Transforming Volunteer Training with the Pro Bono Training Institute

Capital Fundraising Campaign

More on Providing Legal Services

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Eviction and COVID-19 Cases

Model Practices and Innovations: Eviction and COVID-19 Cases

"The most successful eviction diversion programs established under Michigan’s new eviction diversion structure brought together local housing agencies, legal service programs, district courts, Health and Human Services offices, and other stakeholders.”

Library Partnerships During Disaster Recovery

Expanding Services to Bridge the Digital Divide

Building Bridges Across the Digital Divide

More on Providing Legal Services

More Model Practices & Innovations

Building Bridges Across the Digital Divide

Legal Services of North Florida: Building Bridges Across the Digital Divide

”LSNF’s multimedia outreach on social media, radio, and printed fliers throughout Hurricane Michael’s recovery efforts and COVID-19 contributed to a large increase in housing assistance applications, particularly for evictions.”

Expanding Services to Bridge the Digital Divide

Library Partnerships During Disaster Recovery

Free Course: Navigating Civil Legal Issues of Natural Disasters

More on Providing Legal Services

More Model Practices & Innovations

Expanding Services to Bridge the Digital Divide

Dialing Up: How Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota Expanded Its Services to Bridge the Digital Divide

"LSNM focused on ‘pandemic positives’: learning how to serve people and use resources better based on lessons gleaned from these challenges."

Building Bridges Across the Digital Divide

Eviction and COVID-19 Cases

Library Partnerships During Disaster Recovery

More on Providing Legal Services

More Model Practices and Innovations

Talk Justice: Episode Sixty

Talk Justice: Episode Thirty One

Talk Justice: Episode Twenty Three

Talk Justice: Episode Eighteen

How to Apply for a Disaster Grant

Disaster Relief Emergency Grants (DREG) (Applications Closed)

2023 Midwest Legal Disaster Coordination Project (Applications Closed)

2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Grants (Applications Closed)

2020–2021 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Grants (Applications Closed)

Please Note: