The CBF is committed to providing consistent general operating support grants for effective, well-managed organizations in the Chicago area that are working to improve access to justice. Priority among the CBF’s Organizational Support grants is given to organizations that provide legal services to a substantial number of low-income and disadvantaged residents in an area(s) of law where there is significant unmet need in Cook County.
The CBF evaluates organizations seeking Organizational Support grants using the following criteria:
· Strategic clarity about the mission and vision for the organization
· Organizational success in improving access to justice
· Effective and ongoing strategic planning and evaluation
· Strong governance and oversight
· Solid leadership
· Consistent and successful collaboration with other legal aid organizations
Organizations that received CBF Organizational Support grants engage in the following kinds of work:
· Providing legal services, including advice, brief services or extended legal representation
· Educating the public about their legal rights and responsibilities, including pro se guidance or assistance
· Supporting mediation efforts
· Engaging in efforts to promote and increase the involvement of the bar and legal community in access to justice
· Working to improve the overall system of justice or the overall legal aid delivery system
