Tennessee Legal Iniaitives Fund (TLIF) 2026
Originally launched in 2018, the TLIF grant program focuses on funding projects that broaden the capacity of selected organizations across the state to break the cycle of poverty and the barriers to justice by using civil legal aid and education.
Historically, our grants have supported a diverse range of critical projects and services. For example, TLIF supported an innovative medical-legal partnership that placed legal staff directly on-site at mental health centers to resolve civil legal issues—such as eviction or disability benefits—that were negatively impacting a patient’s health and recovery. In addition, TLIF supported the deployment of conferencing technology that links rural and underserved populations with community mediation centers.
Please review the application guidelines below for more information. You may also reach out by emailing us at info@tnbarfoundation.org with any questions.
Application Categories
Applicants must self-select one of the following categories for their proposed project:
- Capacity Building and Readiness (CBR): Strengthening capacity building "infrastructure" (e.g., technology enhancements, streamlining client intake workflows, developing standardized case management protocols, or optimizing volunteer attorney recruitment process). Budget Guidance: $5,000 – $50,000.
- Rapid Innovation: Testing a brand-new "proof of concept" or low-cost solution (e.g., AI/LLM integrations, legal navigation tools or assets). Budget Guidance: $5,000 – $50,000.
- Implementation and Scaling: Expanding a proven model that has already demonstrated successful outcomes. Budget Guidance: Up to $100,000.
Tennessee Bar Foundation Grant Application Guidelines
Q: Is my organization eligible to apply for TLIF grant funds?
A: To be eligible, applicants MUST:
1. Be an organization exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. For projects involving multiple partners, the lead agency must be a 501(c)(3), meet the eligibility criteria, and agree to use the TLIF grant only for purposes that are charitable or educational within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, as amended and meets the conditions of use under which the application is approved.
2. Be an equal employment opportunity employer which does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, marital status, color, national origin, sex, age or disability; AND
3. Must uses project funds exclusively in the state of Tennessee.
If awarded a grant, successful applicants will be required to:
(a) execute and comply with the terms of the Grant Agreement, including performance of the project as described in the applicants successful grant application;
(c) submit timely reports to the Foundation detailing the project's progress and the expenditure of TLIF funds; AND
(d) cooperate with data collection and evaluation requests of the Foundation or its representatives.
Q: Who is NOT eligible to apply?
A: Funds will not be award to/for:
1. Applications will not be accepted from individuals.
2. Applications will not be accepted from organizations or partnerships (nonprofit or multi-sector) that engage in the following activities:
(a) political campaigns; OR
(b) organizations designed primarily for lobbying; OR
(c) charitable activities that promote a religion or require participation in a religious activity as a condition for receipt of services. However, grants may be awarded to faith-based organizations for non-religious purposes.
Q: Are the budget ranges for each category strict limits?
A: The budget ranges provided are guidance intended to help applicants understand the typical scale of projects TLIF has previously funded. While we generally expect requests to fall within these ranges, they are not absolute caps or floors. If your project budget falls slightly outside these parameters, you may still apply; however, your narrative should clearly justify why the requested amount is necessary to achieve the project’s specific goals and impact.
Q: What is included in the application?
A: The application is fully online and includes the following components:
- Submission Form: Complete the 2026 Grant Application Interest Form below. Once you've submitted an interest form, Foundation staff will promptly email you a link to the grant application submission form.
- Completed Application: You will answer narrative questions detailing your project’s objectives, activities, timeline, and expected outcomes. You will also clearly indicate which of the three funding categories your project aligns with. Additional guidance is provided in the application.
- Budget: An operating budget and a detailed program budget outlining all project expenses and funding sources.
- Supporting Documents: You must upload your IRS Determination Letter, Form 990, and your most recent audit or reviewed financial statement. Note: If applying in the CBR category, you are required to attach a brief statement of support from your Board and Executive leadership.
Q: How do I submit my application?
A: Submit an interest form using the form at the bottom of this page. After we receive your interest form, you will get an email with a link to our full grant application portal and further instructions. The application will not be considered complete unless all attachments have been uploaded.
Q: Will my application progress be saved if I leave the page before submitting?
A: Generally, that depends on your web browser settings. To avoid losing your work, we strongly recommend drafting your responses in a separate document and copying them into the application fields once you are ready to submit.
Q: Are there any character or word limits for the narrative answers?
A: While we do not use a hard character-stop in the form, each narrative question has a specific word limit noted on the application. We ask you observe these limits. Ensure all narrative responses are concise and directly address the prompts—our review committees value clarity over length. Answer each question as if the reader is unfamiliar with your organization.
Q: How will my application be evaluated?
A: The primary goal of TLIF is to identify projects that broaden organizational capacity to break the cycle of poverty and overcome barriers to justice. A Grant Review Committee will consider the clarity of your narrative responses, your organization's track record of success, and your adherence to submission guidelines to meet the stated goals of the TLIF program. In addition, the committee will assess the following:
- Does the applicant demonstrate the internal strength, leadership, and staff expertise necessary to execute this project, and are the administrative systems robust enough to manage the grant effectively?
- How clearly does the project deliver a tangible "win" for civil legal services and the administration of justice, and is it structured as a strategic investment on breaking cycles of poverty?
- Is there evidence that the project's outcomes will continue to provide value beyond the grant period, and is the initiative built on a model that could be successfully integrated, studied, or replicated in other areas of Tennessee?
- Does the project’s budget reflect a state of fiscal health, and does the organization demonstrate the financial resilience and diversified funding base needed to support the work?
Q: Is there a deadline for submitting the grant application?
A: Yes, all applications must be submitted via the submission form by 11:59 PM CST on Friday, May 8. If you experience unexpected technical difficulties, the Foundation will evaluate requests to submit after the deadline on an individual basis. Please make every effort to address your questions ahead of the deadline.
Q: When will award decisions be made?
A:Following the submission deadline on May 8, the Foundation will begin its formal review process, with award notifications expected to be sent to successful applicants in June.
Q: What if I have any questions?
A: Please email info@tnbarfoundation.org for any questions related to the application, submission form, or process. Foundation staff will get in touch with you as quickly as possible.