How to Apply for a PBIF Grant
The Pro Bono Innovation Fund (PBIF) provides grants to LSC grantees for civil legal aid projects that support new, robust pro bono partnerships through collaboration, innovation, and replication of effective practices.
Current Funding Cycle Announcements
Current Funding Cycle Announcements
The PBIF 2026 Funding Cycle has opened. Pre-Application Resources were sent to Executive Directors of LSC grantees via e-mail on November 12, 2025. The deadline to submit a PBIF Pre-Application is January 15, 2026. Notification of Pre-Application decisions will be sent out in early March 2026. Those invited to submit Full Applications must submit their Full Application by May 8, 2026. All FY26 grantees will be subject to the 2026 Special Grant Terms and Conditions.
Questions about the FY2026 Funding Cycle can be directed to probonoinnovation@lsc.gov.
Application Overview
The PBIF Funding Cycle is a two-phase process. Applicants must first submit a Pre-Application to LSC in mid-January to be considered for a PBIF Grant. After a review by LSC staff, LSC's President makes the final decision to invite select applicants to submit a Full Application. Applicants will be notified of invitations to submit a Full Application by early to mid-March, and Full Applications are due to LSC in early May. Each Full Application will undergo rigorous review by LSC staff and subject matter experts. LSC's President makes the final decision on PBIF grant awards.
The PBIF Team has prepared Pre-Application tools to assist applicants in their submissions for the 2026 Funding Cycle
2026 Application Timeline
| Date | Event |
| 11/12/2025 | Notice of Funding Cycle Opening Sent to LSC Executive Directors |
| 11/19/2025 | Project Incubation Grant Orientation with PBIF Team |
| 11/20/2025 | Project and Sustainability Grant Orientation with PBIF Team |
| 12/4/2025 | Group Q&A Session for Project and Sustainability Applicants |
| 1/15/2026 | Pre-Application Due Date |
| Early March 2026 | Invitations to Submit Full Applications |
| Early March 2026 | Full Application Instructions Issued |
| 5/8/2026 | Full Application Due Date |
Join the PBIF Contact List
If you are an LSC grantee and would like to be invited to PBIF programming and events, please enter your contact information into our Contact List. You can also confirm your organization's current contacts through this link.
Can't find what you are looking for?
Should you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to the PBIF Team.