Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. (FL) receives $405,346 Technology Initiative Grant from LSC

WASHINGTON — The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding a Technology Initiative Grant (TIG) in the amount of $405,346 to Bay Area Legal Services. Bay Area Legal will use this funding to grow its FosterPower project, which provides foster youth with information on their rights and benefits.

Since 2000, the TIG program has distributed annual grants to legal services providers across the United States. This year, LSC is awarding 31 grants totaling $5.9 million to organizations in 22 states.

“LSC is proud to promote innovative solutions to the access to justice crisis, including supporting legal aid organizations’ efforts to embrace useful technology tools,” says LSC President Ron Flagg. “The technology Initiative Grants support projects that improve the delivery of legal services and information to people who need support navigating serious civil legal problems that impact their housing, debt, employment or family.”

LSC has awarded 923 grants since the program’s inception —totaling more than $91 million to fund legal aid technology projects. Grant recipients have used this funding to enhance cybersecurity, build educational platforms, strengthen  program capacity and support the work of pro bono attorneys.

Bay Area Legal will use their funding to grow their FosterPower project which successfully launched an app and website, created educational videos, and trained over 400 individuals. FosterPower has received national attention, awards, and media recognition. The expansion plan aims for statewide reach, national replication, and a sustainable business model. It includes hiring a Training & Outreach Specialist, creating new educational content, and forming advisory boards.

Members of Congress congratulated Bay Area Legal on receiving this funding.

Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974. For 50 years, LSC has provided financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 130 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm of skilled attorneys whose objective is helping the most vulnerable members of our community. Our clients do not have the income to hire private attorneys. Visit bals.org/help to learn more about our services.