Supporting Access to Justice for All Montanans.
Montana Justice Foundation Awards Record $2.34 Million in Funding to Montana Nonprofit Organizations
The Montana Justice Foundation is proud to announce grant awards totaling over $2.34 million to nonprofits across Montana working to expand access to civil legal services. This marks the largest single-year grant total and breaks last year’s record of $1.6 million.
“When families face homelessness, violence, or other legal challenges, civil legal aid is essential,” said Alissa Chambers, Executive Director of the Montana Justice Foundation. “Our grantees are often the last line of defense for children in foster care, survivors of violence, and families in legal crisis.”
The 2026 grant recipients are: Abbie Shelter (Flathead Reservation), American Legion/Boys and Girls State, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NW Montana, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Sky Country (Gallatin, Park, Sweet Grass, Madison, and Beaverhead Counties), Billings Mediation Center, Center for Restorative Youth Justice (Flathead and Missoula Counties), CASA of Lake and Sanders Counties, CASA of Missoula, CASA of Yellowstone County, Cascade County Law Clinic, Community Dispute Resolution Center (Missoula), Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (Carbon and Stillwater Counties), Eastern Montana CASA GAL, HAVEN (Bozeman), Montana Innocence Project, Montana Legal Services Association, Nitsitapiisini (Blackfeet Way of Life) Project, Safe Harbor (Lake County and Flathead Reservation), Sanders County Coaliion for Families (RAISE), We the People, YWCA Billings, YWCA Helena, and YWCA Missoula.
Access to Justice Grants support nonprofits addressing domestic violence, Court Appointed Special Advocates, youth services, Tribal legal and advocacy services, mediation and conflict resolution, direct civil legal aid for low-income Montanans, law-related education, and assistance with law student loan repayment.
“We’re deeply grateful for the donors and partners, including our IOLTA leadership banks, who made these grants possible,” Chambers said. “This funding is a powerful step forward, and we remain ready to respond as the need continues to grow.”
The Montana Justice Foundation does not provide legal assistance. However, many of our grantee organizations provide the services and support.
Need Legal Help?
Since its creation in 1979, MJF has distributed more than $14.9 million to Montana’s legal aid community.
Your contribution can bring hope and change to children facing complex legal and foster care battles, and it can empower survivors of domestic violence to seek protection for themselves and their loved ones.
By supporting MJF, you can help people avoid lengthy court battles and find peaceful solutions to disputes. Your gift can also provide safe and comfortable housing to families, seniors, and veterans and help individuals achieve self-sufficiency. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of all Montanans.
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