General Information

The Eviction Legal Defense Fund (Fund) was established by the General Assembly in 2019 to expand the availability of legal assistance for low-income persons who are experiencing an eviction or are at immediate risk of an eviction. In Fiscal Year 2023, seven organization received grants from the Fund totaling $1.97 million.

Annual grant funding is allocated to qualified organizations based on a geographic, need-driven formula that considers the number of forcible entry and detainer filings (i.e., eviction actions) in each county or city and county across the State. If there is more than one qualified organization within a county or city and county, funding is allocated in proportion to the number of clients served by each qualified organization or its predecessor in the preceding grant award year.

All grants are awarded on a cost-reimbursement basis and must be used for the purposes set forth in Section 13-40-127(3), C.R.S. Grantees are also subject to quarterly and annual reporting requirements.

Qualified Organizations

Statutes establish criteria for determining whether an organization is qualified to apply for a grant. Organizations must: 

• Have demonstrated experience and expertise in providing full service civil legal services to indigent clients, with preference given to organizations currently serving low-income clients at no cost rather than a reduced cost.
• Be based in Colorado.
• Be exempt from taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• Obtain more than 20 percent of their total funding from sources other than grants from the Fund.

Grant Uses

Statutes also limit the use of grant funds to the following services: 

• Providing legal representation to indigent tenants for resolving civil legal matters related to an eviction or impending eviction. Such representation may include representation in any forcible entry and detainer proceeding or action for monetary damages related to nonpayment of rent or other lease violation, legal assistance prior to the filing of an eviction, or any other judicial actions in which legal representation is necessary to protect the interests of an indigent tenant.
• Establishing clinics designed to educate and assist indigent tenants in eviction proceedings, including providing information related to the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.
• Providing legal information and advice to indigent tenants
• Referring clients to appropriate persons or agencies that provide assistance with issues related to housing.
• Providing mediation services for disputes between a landlord and tenant that could prevent or resolve the filing of an eviction.

Grant funding may also be used for indirect costs, subject to certain limitations. See grant rules in the "Business Resources" section for more information. 

Fiscal Year 2024 Eviction Legal Defense Fund Grants (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024)

The application period has closed for this grant cycle. A total of $1.9 million was awarded to the following organizations: 

Fiscal Year 2025 Eviction Legal Defense Fund Grants (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025) 

• The application period is April 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024. 
• Applications must be submitted via AmpliFund during the application period. Access the AmpliFund application link under "Special Announcements" on the right sidebar.  
• An optional technical assistance session scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The purpose of the session is to answer any questions you may have about the grant and grant application. Use this link to access the WebEx meeting on April 3rd. 
• If you have questions about the grant application process or need assistance with AmpliFund, please reach out to us!

Direct any questions about Eviction Legal Defense Fund grants to: 

Grants Specialist

Office of the State Court Administrator

1300 Broadway, Suite 1200, Denver, Colorado 80203

EvictionLegalDefenseFund@judicial.state.co.us | 720-625-5841