The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice announced on April 28 that it will provide $400,000 in grants to 26 organizations working to help people participate more fully in the court system. The funding is intended for groups that assist individuals regardless of income, language, background, or ability.
The initiative aims to reduce barriers for those who often face challenges navigating the legal process alone. According to the commission, this grant program supports a broad range of applicants including administrative agencies, universities, foundations, legal aid organizations, community-based groups, and social service providers.
This year’s recipients were selected from among 31 applicants. The chosen organizations will use the grants for projects such as expanding legal clinics in communities, strengthening pro bono services for self-represented litigants seeking criminal record relief or dealing with family law issues, improving language access and technology support for remote mediation participants, and supporting survivors of domestic violence. Other funded efforts include providing legal help for veterans and service members and launching pilot programs aimed at eviction diversion and virtual divorce assistance.
Among the grantees are Administer Justice—which plans to open three new community-based clinics—Cabrini Green Legal Aid with enhancements to its pro bono program focused on sealing or expunging criminal records; Center for Conflict Resolution aiming to improve technology access; Center for Disability and Elder Law supporting guardianship self-help services; Chinese American Services League offering assistance specifically tailored for low-income or limited-English proficient court users; Land of Lincoln Legal Aid piloting a virtual divorce program; Prairie State Legal Services operating an eviction diversion desk; SIU Simmons Law School Legal Clinic supporting seniors with estate planning needs; Syrian Community Network helping non-English speakers navigate court processes; Westside Justice Center running community clinics offering brief advice.
Sarah Song, Deputy Director of the Access to Justice Division said: “Through partnership and shared commitment, we are building a more just, inclusive, and accessible court system for everyone. The ATJ Commission is honored to support the efforts of these vital organizations during the 2026-2027 grant year (May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027). For questions or additional information contact AccessToJustice@illinoiscourts.gov.”
The commission said these grants reflect ongoing efforts across Illinois courts toward greater inclusion by directly supporting people facing some of their most challenging moments without legal representation.
