IOLTA Grants Program
At the heart of the Foundation's grantmaking activities is the IOLTA Grants Program. The MBF is one of three charitable entities in the state charged with distributing the Massachusetts Interest on Lawyers' Trust Account (IOLTA) funds, receiving 26 percent of the total interest earned on IOLTA accounts.
Through the IOLTA Grants Program, the MBF awards financial grants annually to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts whose programs either provide civil legal services to low-income clients or improve the administration of justice. These grants support the delivery of critical legal assistance to individuals and families working to overcome great obstacles related to housing instability, domestic violence, education access, health care access, economic insecurity, and more.
Click here to see a list of our 2025/2026 IOLTA Grant recipients.
The MBF’s grant cycle runs from September 1 to August 31 of each year.
The 2026/2027 online application process is now open. Please click the blue apply button below to begin an application
Applications are due on March 20, 2026.
New applicants must contact the MBF to discuss your proposal prior to submission.
For information about the MBF’s grant priorities and general application guidelines, please review the following documents:
Questions? Contact the MBF at foundation@massbar.org.
For information about IOLTA accounts or the state's IOLTA program visit the Massachusetts IOLTA Committee Website.