In response to current U.S. economic conditions, the Marcled Foundation will allocate a portion of
2009 funding to legal service organizations that demonstrate increased demand as a result of the
national recession. The Marcled foundation, a family foundation based in San Francisco, invites
proposals for support of programs that provide legal services to underserved populations in California.
Examples include Legal Aid, law clinics, and Volunteer Legal Services Programs.
Grant Range: $10,000 to $50,000.
GOAL
Because the issues faced by legal service organizations’ clientele are frequently tied directly to
employment and income, legal services organizations are among the first to see the impact of
problems in the economy. Through this initiative, the Marcled Foundation will strengthen existing
programs that help individuals, families, and communities in difficult circumstances address barriers to
success through legal services.
MEANS
Each Marcled Foundation Legal Services grant will be for one of two purposes:
General operating expenses grants will consist of single year funding to legal service organizations
that offer assistance to underserved communities.
Fellowship grants will consist of one or two years of funding to legal service organizations for the
express purpose of hiring a fellow to assist in working toward the mission of the organization. The
applicant organization must demonstrate the capacity to identify, supervise, and fully utilize an
attorney or other legal professional.
ELIGIBILITY
Organizations eligible for application must meet the following criteria:
• Registered 501c3 nonprofit organization
• Mission to offer free or discounted legal services to underserved populations
• Operating in San Francisco Bay Area, California Central Coast, or Los Angeles Metro Area
• No prior Marcled Foundation funding in 2009
• Primary service areas must include one or more of the following: domestic violence,
employment, housing, and/or public benefit
• Must demonstrate increased demand for services corresponding to the national recession
APPLICATION PROCESS
Eligible organizations should submit a one to two page letter of inquiry (LOI) to the Marcled
Foundation. The letter should include:
• Mission and background of organization
• Information about current programs including population served and program reach
• Information about impact of the economic crisis
• Statement of requested amount and use of grant funds
Letters should be submitted by June 17th, 2009. LOIs will be reviewed in late June, and full proposals
will be invited in early July 2009. Submitting an LOI does not guarantee invitation for a full proposal.
Please submit letters of inquiry to Monika Matthews by June 17th, 2009 via:
Email mmatthews@marcled.org or Fax 415.346.5736
www.marcled.org