The Colorado Judicial Branch is excited to announce the Eviction Legal Defense Fund Grant Program.
Donor Name: Colorado Judicial Branch
State: Colorado
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement
Deadline: 04/30/2026
Size of the Grant: More than $1 million
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Eviction Legal Defense Fund (Fund) was established by the General Assembly in 2019 to expand the availability of legal assistance for low-income persons who are experiencing an eviction or are at immediate risk of an eviction.
Funding Information
- All grants are awarded on a cost-reimbursement basis.
- The Eviction Legal Defense Fund has approximately $1.1 million available to award in fiscal year 2026-2027.
Uses of Funds
Statutes also limit the use of grant funds to the following services:
- Providing legal representation to indigent tenants for resolving civil legal matters related to an eviction or impending eviction. Such representation may include representation in any forcible entry and detainer proceeding or action for monetary damages related to nonpayment of rent or other lease violation, legal assistance prior to the filing of an eviction, or any other judicial actions in which legal representation is necessary to protect the interests of an indigent tenant.
- Establishing clinics designed to educate and assist indigent tenants in eviction proceedings, including providing information related to the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.
- Providing legal information and advice to indigent tenants.
- Referring clients to appropriate persons or agencies that provide assistance with issues related to housing.
- Providing mediation services for disputes between a landlord and tenant that could prevent or resolve the filing of an eviction.
Eligibility Criteria
Statutes establish criteria for determining whether an organization is qualified to apply for a grant. Organizations must:
- Have demonstrated experience and expertise in providing full service civil legal services to indigent clients, with preference given to organizations currently serving low-income clients at no cost rather than a reduced cost.
- Be based in Colorado.
- Be exempt from taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Obtain more than 20 percent of their total funding from sources other than grants from the Fund.
For more information, visit Colorado Judicial Branch.
