IOTA Trial Run Distributions
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The purpose of the IOTA Trial Run Grant Program is to refine the implementation work plan to distribute IOTA funds collected pursuant to Rule 5.1-1(g), Rules Regulating The Florida Bar (the IOTA Rule). A matrix was developed which reflects a starting point and approach for distributing IOTA collections. These grants are awarded on a trial basis to test the effectiveness of the work plan and leave room for improvement if needed.
Grant Amount
$1,250,000 was allocated by the Foundation’s board for the IOTA Trial Run grants. Grant amounts will vary based on 1) a regional basis; 2) both poverty and working poor populations; 3) on current grantee capacity weighted by size to reflect need and/or dependence on Foundation funding and to promote overall sustainability of the existing network. $230,000 was deducted from the aggregate amount available to award three programs whose applications for CED grant extensions were more appropriately classified as IOTA distributions.
The most consistent indicator of capacity is the number of currently employed lawyers who provide or facilitate direct legal services to an organization’s clients. A weighting system was developed on a scale of .8 to 3.
Grant Cycle
Trial Run grants will be awarded one time in August 2022.
Grant Eligibility
All existing grantees were considered initially, but some were excluded given the amended rule’s definition of “Qualified Grantee Organization.” (The amended IOTA rule states, “A ‘qualified grantee organization’ is a charitable or other nonprofit organization that facilitates or directly provides qualified legal services by qualified legal service providers and that has experience in successfully doing so.” Rule 5-1.1(g)(1)(F).) This does not mean that grantees excluded from the trial run are automatically excluded from future funding awarded by the Foundation, including IOTA distributions.
Grant Funding
This grant is funded by the Foundation on an annual basis in accordance with the Foundation’s grant allocation for the corresponding year which may be culled from all available sources including existing reserves, restricted donations, Endowment contributions, unspent or returned funds, past investment earnings and other funds which may become available. (This trial run did not utilize IOTA funds.)
Grants Awarded
Visit our Grant Database to view current and past grantees.
