Inside the Grantmaking of the Maryland Legal Services Corporation

Among family, corporate, and community foundations, legal services are usually low on the list of funding priorities. Many funders won’t even consider providing this type of support because of how their guidelines are written. However, this type of funding is the bread and butter for certain types of grantmakers who know the law perhaps better than anyone else.

Here we provide details about one such funder, the Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC), and how it awards grants throughout the state.

Eligible Recipients

The purpose of MLSC is to award grants to nonprofits so that they can provide civil legal assistance to low-income people in Maryland; it is not a source of funding for people who are involved in criminal proceedings. The maximum income of 50 percent of the median family income for Maryland determines client income eligibility. For example, a family of four would need to have an annual income of less than $57,726 to be eligible for support.

Topics of Interest

Within the realm of civil law, MLSC has a few particular topics that it is interested in during grantmaking cycles. Legal matters that relate to employment, consumers, and housing are often at the top of the funder’s priorities. It also contributes grant funds to matters that affect families and children. Furthermore, MLSC is interested in providing technical assistance to help improve the delivery of legal delivery at the local level.

Typical Grants

MLSC grant funds come from Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA) and also from surcharges incurred on court filing fees. Although this causes grant amounts to fluctuate from year to year, many are in the $25,000 to $500,000 range. The total amount of grants paid was nearly $19 million in a recent year. Past support has gone to Baltimore Neighborhoods, House of Ruth Maryland, and Disability Rights Maryland.

Applying for Support

Maryland nonprofits that provide legal services should know that MLSC accepts grant applications at certain times of the year. Applications are typically due in mid-March. However, it is important that new applicants contact MLSC prior to submitting an application to discuss the need and idea. If it seems to be a fit, the MLSC staff will request a formal application.

Learn more about this niche funder in IP’s full profile of the Maryland Legal Services Corporation or browse our Mid-Atlantic States Funding Guide for additional Maryland-focused grantmakers.