Grants

The Equal Justice Authority (EJA) is a Special Authority created under HB24-1286 (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1286)that is responsible for distributing the equal justice fee for the purpose of providing equal access to legal aid services and to increase efficiency of the court system for all court users.

The Equal Justice Authority Board of Directors has seven members. These individuals are appointed by the Colorado Access to Justice Commission, Colorado Lawyer Trust Account Foundation, the Colorado Bar Association, and the Colorado Judicial Branch. For more information, visit the Board of Directors (/board-of-directors)page. Board meetings are held virtually and open to the public. See the EJA Calendar (https://www.coloradoeja.org/meetings)for meeting information.

Pursuant to HB24-1286,(https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1286) the Equal Justice fee was implemented on January 1, 2025 and is collected by the courts on behalf of the Equal Justice Authority in the same way it collects other fees.

Funding awards will be disbursed annually on July 1; however, applications must be submitted each year. Funding amounts, evaluation criteria, and other details may change annually.

Applicants do not request specific amounts for funding.  All eligible applicants will receive funding. Granting amounts will be based on application answers, per statutory requirements.  Per C.R.S. 13-5.7-206, eligible funding will be divided based on a weighted formula to qualifying applicants. The weighted formula is based on the statutory requirements listed in HB24-1286.(https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1286) The Equal Justice Authority shall annually distribute all money deposited into the Authority’s account, less the Authority’s direct and indirect expenses in administering the funds. The Authority shall distribute 67% of the remaining revenue to the Colorado recipient of a federal legal services corporation field grant (Colorado Legal Services) and 33% to qualified civil legal aid providers.

The Equal Justice Authority contracts with the Colorado Access to Justice Commission to provide administrative support.

Applicants may apply for funding if they are a qualified civil legal aid provider. Per HB24-1286,(https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1286) an applying organization is a qualified civil legal aid provider if they: • Are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; and, • Provide legal representation and advice to people in Colorado who are at or below 250% of the federal poverty guideline (https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines)to support their access to basic needs such as housing, employment, health services, education, and assistance with family matters and immigration status issues. Organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent or sponsorship will be considered for funding.

Applicants must submit three financial documents:  • Proof of IRS federal tax-exempt status dated within the last five years • A copy of your organization’s operating budget for the current fiscal year • A copy of your current year end income and expense statement

Grantees are required to submit two reports for this grant, including a mid-year report and an end-of-year report. The mid-year report is due on November 20, 2026 and the end-of-year report is due on July 15, 2027. Grantees will receive an emailed form to complete for each report.

Grantees will receive a link to set up a free bill.com (http://bill.com)account, which is used to process a one-time electronic payment directly to their organization’s account.

Funds for the FY2026-2027 grant cycle will be disbursed July 1, 2026.

Funding received from this grant must be used in support of providing access to legal representation for individuals in Colorado and increasing the efficiency of Colorado Courts by reducing slowdowns caused by self-representation.  These funds may be used for general operating purposes.  By accepting 2026 Equal Justice Authority grant funds, the grantee agrees to follow all applicable federal, state, and municipal laws and regulatory requirements. Grant funds must not be used, either directly or indirectly, for lobbying or for political activities, such as supporting candidates for public office, advocating for ballot initiatives or measures, facilitating voter registration or transportation, or contributing to political campaigns. Grant funds cannot be used for gambling, liquor, entertainment, or personal purposes that do not clearly advance the purpose of the grant. Compliance requirements for this grant are in accordance with HB24-1286.(https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1286)

For any questions or inquiries, email ejaboard@coloradoaccesstojustice.org.(mailto:ejaboard@coloradoaccesstojustice.org)

You should anticipate hearing from the Equal Justice Authority Board of Directors or its contracted staff at least four times per grant year. This communication will be in regards to the required mid-year and end-of-year reporting, the required annual virtual check-in, and any other issues or announcements that may arise.