[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 13 (Thursday, January 21, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3478-3481]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-01106]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION


Request for Letters of Intent To Apply for 2016 Pro Bono 
Innovation Fund Grants

AGENCY: Legal Services Corporation.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) issues this Notice 
describing the conditions under which Letters of Intent to Apply for 
2016 funding will be received for the Pro Bono Innovation Fund. On 
December 18, 2015, Congress provided $4 million for the Pro Bono 
Innovation Fund through the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2016.

DATES: Letters of Intent must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. EST on March 
28, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Letters of Intent must be submitted electronically at http://lscgrants.lsc.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mytrang Nguyen, Program Counsel, 
Office of Program Performance, Legal Services Corporation, 3333 K 
Street NW., Washington, DC, 20007; (202) 295-1564 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

    The Pro Bono Innovation Fund was created after the LSC Board of 
Directors formed a Pro Bono Task Force in 2011 to identify ways to 
better engage pro bono lawyers and other volunteers to serve low-income 
people. One recommendation of the Pro Bono Task Force was to create a 
competitive Innovation Fund grant program. On January 17, 2014, the 
President signed Public Law 113-76, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 
of 2014, which included $2.5 million in LSC's appropriation for the Pro 
Bono Innovation Fund. In its first year of grant making, LSC funded 
eleven projects seeking to address the critical legal needs of 
underserved populations with more pro bono volunteers, significant 
collaboration, and technology enhancements. The Consolidated and 
Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235 
(December 16, 2014) increased LSC's appropriation for the Pro Bono 
Innovation Fund to $4 million and LSC funded an additional fifteen 
projects in FY15. On December 18, 2015, the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2016, Public Law 114-113 provided $4 million for the Pro Bono 
Innovation Fund.
    In 2016, the Pro Bono Innovation Fund will continue to advance 
LSC's goal of increasing the quantity and quality of legal services 
provided to eligible people. Applicants to the Pro Bono Innovation Fund 
should identify the most pressing unmet client needs and how pro bono 
volunteers will be used to address those needs. Projects funded by the 
Pro Bono Innovation Fund will serve as demonstration efforts to 
strengthen pro bono service delivery and improve low income persons' 
access to high quality legal assistance through coordinated legal 
delivery systems.

II. Funding Opportunity Information

A. Pro Bono Innovation Fund Purpose and Key Goals

    The purpose of the Pro Bono Innovation Fund is to develop and 
enhance pro bono programs that serve larger numbers of low-income 
clients and that improve the quality and effectiveness of the services 
clients receive by using pro bono volunteers. Projects should be 
innovative (new, replicable models and approaches to pro bono delivery) 
or replicate prior successful models.
    The Pro Bono Innovation Fund is designed to address issues 
identified in the 2012 report of LSC's Pro Bono Task Force. The report 
provides a summary

[[Page 3479]]

of findings that illustrates the current crisis in legal services and 
suggests ways that pro bono can be used to increase the supply of 
lawyers and others who are available to provide legal assistance to 
low-income people. The key goals of the Pro Bono Innovation Fund are 
to:

1. Address gaps in the delivery of legal services to low-income 
people
2. Engage more lawyers and other volunteers in pro bono service
3. Develop and implement new, innovative, and replicable strategies 
that address persistent challenges in pro bono delivery systems

B. Areas of Interest for FY 2016

    LSC welcomes applications in a wide variety of areas; there are no 
specific areas of interest. Consistent with the key goals of the Pro 
Bono Innovation Fund, however, applicants are encouraged to consider 
developing projects that propose to replicate effective models of pro 
bono delivery or propose novel (and replicable) solutions to persistent 
challenges in their current pro bono system. Such challenges and 
solutions may include, but are not limited to:
     Advancing the organization's strategic imperatives by 
integrating volunteers into significant delivery or advocacy efforts 
(e.g., using law students to conduct screening and intake, expanding 
complex litigation or appellate practice with pro bono attorneys).
     Addressing duplicative or fractured pro bono efforts by 
forming partnerships with pro bono and community stakeholders or adding 
new partners to existing collaborations (e.g., working with state and 
local pro bono committees or with specialty and minority bar 
associations, aligning with state Access to Justice Commission 
initiatives, and complementing self-represented litigant efforts).
     Developing strategies to bring pro bono services to the 
locations and communities where clients reside or are accessing 
services, particularly for hard to reach populations (e.g., medical-
legal partnerships, mobile or remote services for rural populations, or 
adopting a neighborhood).
     Developing quality controls and setting goals for timely, 
effective pro bono work. This can include technology solutions and/or 
innovative ways to provide more mentoring, training, and support for 
volunteers (e.g., designating experienced volunteers to mentor newer 
pro bono attorneys, developing process improvements to share resources 
through common data portals, and sharing case updates and files with 
shared case management systems).

C. Available Funds and Estimated Award Amounts

    LSC has received an appropriation of $4 million, of which $3.8 
million is available for grants in fiscal year 2016 to support Pro Bono 
Innovation Fund projects. In 2015, fifteen Pro Bono Innovation Fund 
Projects received funding with a median funding amount of $257,000. LSC 
recommends a minimum $50,000 request, and there is no maximum amount 
for Pro Bono Innovation Fund requests that are within the total funding 
available. LSC encourages proposals for projects that include other in-
kind and cash support, although LSC has no matching requirement.

D. Project and Funding Period

    Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant awards will cover either an 18- or 
24- month project period. Applicants' proposals should cover the full 
period for which a grant award is requested. The project period is 
expected to commence in October 2016.

III. Grant Application Process and Letter of Intent To Apply 
Instructions

A. Pro Bono Innovation Fund Grant Application Process

    LSC is committed to reviewing all Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant 
applications in a quick and thorough manner. Applicants must first 
submit a Letter of Intent to Apply for Funding (LOI). LSC staff will 
review the LOIs and notify applicants by April 25, 2016 if their LOI is 
selected. Applicants whose LOIs are selected will be asked to submit a 
detailed, full application in LSC Grants. Once LSC has received a full 
application from a selected applicant, the application undergoes a 
rigorous review process by LSC staff and external subject matter 
experts. LSC's President makes the final decision on funding for the 
Pro Bono Innovation Fund.

B. Letters of Intent To Apply for Funding Requirements and Format

    The LOI should succinctly summarize in approximately three pages a 
proposed project's context, goals, objectives, activities, estimated 
budget, timeline, and evaluation plan. Applicants must submit the LOI 
electronically using the LSC Grants online system found at http://lscgrants.lsc.gov. They system will be live for applicants in early 
March 2016.
    The LOI form in LSC Grants will ask each applicant the following 
information about the proposed project:
    1. Project Description. In this section, please provide a brief 
description of the proposed project that includes:
     The specific client need and challenge or opportunity in 
the pro bono delivery system that the project will address.
     The goals and objectives of the project, the activities 
that make up the project, and how those activities will link to and 
achieve the stated goals and objectives.
     Strong indication of volunteer demand or interest in 
supporting the project.
     The expected impact of the project. This should include a 
brief explanation of the changes and outcomes that will be created as a 
result of the project.
    2. Project Staff, Organizational Capacity, and Project Partners. 
Please briefly identify and describe the project team and project 
partners including:
     The qualifications and relevant experience of the proposed 
project team, any proposed partner organizations, and your 
organization.
     The role of your organization's executive management in 
the design and implementation of the project.
    3. Budget and Timeline. Please provide the following information 
about the estimated project costs and the proposed implementation 
timeframe:
     Whether the proposed project will be implemented in an 18- 
or 24- month timeframe.
     Estimated total project cost. This includes the estimate 
for the Pro Bono Innovation Fund requested amount and other in-kind or 
cash contributions to support the project.
     List, if any, of anticipated contributions, both in-kind 
and monetary, of all partners involved in the project.
     List of key partners who will receive Pro Bono Innovation 
Fund funding, including their roles, and the estimated dollar amount or 
percent of budget assigned to each partner.
    Please provide an estimated budget using the following form.

[[Page 3480]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Pro Bono Innovation   Other cash or in-
                                     Fund Share--       kind support--
                                      estimated            estimated
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Personnel Expenses:
    a. Salaries/Wages
    b. Fringe Benefits
        Subtotal Personnel
         Expenses
2. Project Expenses:
    a. Travel
    b. Equipment
    c. Software
    d. Supplies
    e. Communication
    f. Training
    g. Evaluation
    h. Other
        Subtotal Project
         Expenses
3. Third-Party Contracts and
 Subgrants:
    a. Contract
    b. Subgrant
        Subtotal Third-Party
         Contracts and
         Subgrants
            Totals
            Percentage of Total
             Project
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note:  Applicants are encouraged to provide as complete an 
estimate as possible despite the preliminary nature of the LOI. LSC 
recognizes that the budget information provided is an initial 
estimate only and subject to change if applicants are invited to 
submit a full application.

C. One Project per Letter of Intent To Apply

    Applicants are encouraged to propose more than project. To do so, 
applicants must submit a separate LOI for each project.

D. Letter of Intent To Apply Deadline

    Applicants must complete and submit LOIs through http://lscgrants.lsc.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday, March 28, 2016. 
To avoid any technical difficulties or submission challenges on the day 
of the deadline, please allow sufficient time for your LSC Grants 
submission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete LOI 
submissions prior to the deadline.
    LSC will provide a confirmation email for each completed electronic 
LOI submission. Please keep this email as verification that your LOI 
was received. If you do not receive an email confirmation for your LOI 
submission, please inquire about the status of your LOI at 
[email protected].
    LSC will not accept applications submitted after the deadline 
unless LSC has approved a request to waive the deadline. See Section IV 
(D) Waiver Authority below.

E. Selection Process

    Applicants must be current LSC grantees. LSC will review all LOIs 
to determine whether they are from eligible entities, submitted as 
complete in LSC Grants, and are responsive to the questions described 
above. Failure to meet these submission requirements may result in 
rejection of the LOI before substantive review.
    Each LOI will then be carefully reviewed to identify those projects 
that address the key goals of the Pro Bono Innovation Fund. The LOIs 
will also be reviewed to determine the extent to which the proposed 
project:
     Provides a clear description of client need and the 
challenge in the pro bono delivery system that the project will 
address.
     Demonstrates is has the support of, or is viable with, the 
pro bono volunteers targeted for recruitment and participation in the 
project.
     Articulates thoughtful, appropriate, and concrete goals 
and activities that address the articulated need and challenges.
     Is either innovative or an appropriate replication of 
prior successful models.
     Has potential for client impact, strong outcomes, further 
replication, or scaling.
     Leverages partnerships and involves all of the appropriate 
parties needed to make it successful and sustainable.
     Has organizational support and capacity, and is cost-
effective.
    Projects that address the above criteria will be invited to submit 
full applications.

F. Next Steps for Successful Applicants

    LSC will notify successful LOI applicants by April 25, 2016. 
Successful applicants will have until 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday, July 18, 
2016 to complete full applications in the LSC Grants online application 
system.

IV. LSC Requirements and Eligibility Information

A. LSC Requirements

    Pro Bono Innovation Fund grants are subject to all the requirements 
of the Legal Services Corporation Act of 1974 as amended (LSC Act), any 
applicable appropriations acts and any other applicable law, rules, 
regulations, policies, guidelines, instructions, and other directives 
of including, but not limited to: The LSC Audit Guide for Recipients 
and Auditors, the Accounting Guide for LSC Recipients, the CSR 
Handbook, the 1981 LSC Property Manual (as amended) and the Property 
Acquisition and Management Manual, with any amendments to the foregoing 
adopted before or during the period of the grant. Before submitting a 
Letter of Intent to Apply, applicants should be familiar with LSC's 
subgrant and transfer requirements at 45 CFR parts 1610 and 1627, 
particularly as they pertain to payments of LSC funds to other entities 
for programmatic activities. Termination Policies and Procedures will 
be same as those described in the 2015 Pro Bono Innovation Fund Grant 
Assurances.

B. Eligible Applicants

    To be eligible for Pro Bono Innovation Fund grants, applicants must 
be current grantees of LSC grants for Basic Field-General, Basic Field-
Migrant, or Basic Field-Native American funding. Organizations and 
entities that are not current LSC grantees are not eligible to apply 
directly to LSC for Pro Bono Innovation Fund grants. Collaborations 
between LSC grantees and partner organizations are strongly encouraged 
to enhance projects, strengthen pro bono

[[Page 3481]]

delivery systems, and avoid duplication of services.

C. Waiver Authority

    LSC, upon its own initiative or when requested, may waive 
provisions in this Notice at its sole discretion under extraordinary 
circumstances and when it is in the best interest of the eligible 
client community. Waivers may be granted only for requirements that are 
discretionary and not mandated by statute or regulation. Any request 
for a waiver must set forth in writing the extraordinary circumstances 
for the request. LSC will not consider a request to waive the deadline 
for an LOI unless it is received by LSC prior to the deadline.

D. Contact Information

    For more information about current Pro Bono Innovation Fund 
projects, please contact Mytrang Nguyen, Program Counsel, (202) 295-
1564 or [email protected].
    If you have a general question or questions about the Pro Bono 
Innovation Fund application process, please email 
[email protected].
    For technical questions or issues with the LSC Grants online 
application system, please send an email to [email protected].

    Dated: January 15, 2016.
Stefanie K. Davis,
Assistant General Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2016-01106 Filed 1-20-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7050-01-P