By Sarah Song, Deputy Director, Access to Justice Division
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) is proud to announce $400,000 in new grants to 26 organizations dedicated to ensuring that every person—regardless of income, language, background, or ability—can meaningfully participate in the court system.
This year, 31 remarkable organizations stepped forward with exciting and innovative applications for the Reducing Barriers to Meaningful Participation in Court grant. This grant aims to directly support organizations working on the front lines to break down barriers to the legal system. It is open to a wide range of applicants, including administrative agencies, universities, foundations, legal aid organizations, community-based organizations, and social service organizations.
After careful review, the grant selection committee chose 26 grantees whose impactful programs directly support people navigating the courts on their own, often at some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
These grantees will expand community-based legal clinics, strengthen pro bono services, increase language access, support survivors of domestic violence, improve remote access to the courts, assist veterans and service members, and help Illinois residents achieve stability through criminal record relief, eviction diversion, and remote mediation.
This year’s grantees are:
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.