LSC's Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Request

Funding Sources Continue to Drop.  Federal appropriations for basic field grants have declined by 18 percent between FY 2010 and FY 2012. Other funding sources have also declined—15 percent drop in state and local government appropriations, 20 percent drop in IOLTA funds, and 6 percent drop in private donations.  

Demand for Services Continue to Rise.  Based on the latest data from the Census Bureau, 60 million Americans—one in five—qualify for civil legal assistance from LSC-funded programs. This represents an increase of 3.6 million more people from the previous year.

Impact of Funding Cuts on LSC Grantees. In 2012, many programs expect to downsize, close offices, limit intake, and reduce services to low-income Americans. According to a recent LSC survey, programs project a total loss of 1,226 full-time employees from 2010 to 2012, and project closing 24 offices in 2012, many of them in rural areas. 

LSC Initiatives

Committed to Efficient and Effective Use of Taxpayer Dollars.  After a year-long review, LSC’s Fiscal Oversight Task Force made recommendations to strengthen, improve and enhance the Corporation’s fiscal oversight of its grantees.  LSC will begin implementation this year.

Advancing Access Through Technology.  With the Technology Initiative Grants (TIG) program, LSC grantees are leading the use of technology to develop self-help forms and online information—assisting people in navigating the legal system and improving the efficiency of the courts. 

Enhancing Pro Bono.  In March 2011, LSC Board of Directors established a Pro Bono Task Force to identify new and innovative ways to promote and enhance pro bono throughout the country.   The 56-member Task force includes judges, law firm leaders, law school deans, legal services lawyers, bar association leaders, and pro bon experts.  The Task Force’s working groups are expected to report recommendations in spring 2012.

Loan Repayment Assistance Program.  Civil legal aid attorneys remain the lowest paid group in the entire legal profession. LSC’s LRAP has enabled grantees to recruit and retain high-quality attorneys—by providing an eligible attorney a loan of $5,600 per year for three years. 

Download LSC's Budget Request for fiscal year 2013.

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