IRCF Awards Gifford Legal Services Clinic $25,000

Founded in 2022, the Gifford Legal Services Clinic is organized to serve those populations within Indian River County who do not have adequate access to legal services. Indian River Community Foundation recently awarded the Clinic $25,000 to support the organization's Legal Services Program.

The Legal Services Program aims to improve access to legal resources for underserved community members, empowering them to address legal issues and protect themselves from exploitation. By breaking down barriers such as the perceived cost of legal services, the program provides a multi-tiered approach to bridge the gap between individuals and the legal system. Participants first attend an advisory session during which local volunteer attorneys provide legal triage by analyzing the issues presented and working to devise a strategy to solve the problem. The participant then either works with the Program Director for direct assistance or is referred into the clinic’s network of volunteer attorneys. Gifford Legal Services has assisted over 300 individuals and has built a network of over 50 attorneys.

Indian River Community Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking is aligned with a vision of a more healthy, prosperous, and generous Indian River County community. Grantmaking priorities are informed by the findings of the most recent community needs assessment and the most current data and information collected on Indian River Indicators.

IRCF is holding informational sessions for nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Indian River County who are interested in applying for a competitive grant. If interested, please call 772.492.1407 or email Brooke Sauserman to reserve your spot. Please read our Guidelines before registering.