2006-2007 COLTAF Grant Awards

COLTAF was pleased to provide $2,326,395 in funding to 23 highly deserving organizations. The bulk of these grants were made in August 2006 out of funds available at that time from the 2005-2006 fiscal year. They do not reflect the increased revenue that COLTAF received during the 2006-2007 fiscal year. COLTAF takes great pride in being able to support the worthwhile efforts of these organizations.

Legal Services Program Grants - $2,025,820

Colorado Legal Services:

COLTAF disbursed $2,025,820 to Colorado Legal Services (CLS), our statewide legal aid program serving individuals and families with income below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. In 2005, CLS provided free civil legal assistance to 7,200 low-income Coloradans through a network of 15 offices throughout the state.

Volunteer (Pro Bono) Lawyer Program Grants - $131,275

COLTAF made grants totaling $131,275 to 14 bar sponsored pro bono programs around the state. Although these programs serve diverse populations, they all work to involve the private bar in meeting the civil legal needs of the poor. COLTAF is proud to support their efforts and it salutes the many lawyers who volunteer their time and experience through these programs to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the lives of their communities.

The following programs received Pro Bono grants:

Administrative and Legislative Advocacy Grant - $130,000

COLTAF disbursed $130,000 to the Colorado Center on Law and Policy (CCLP) which engages in multi-forum advocacy for low-income Coloradans. During this past year, CCLP has continued to monitor the state's implementation of its new Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS) to ensure the timely and accurate processing of public benefits. In addition to the CBMS litigation, CCLP provided direct assistance to nearly 800 individuals and families in 39 counties who were experiencing CBMS-related problems accessing benefits to which they were entitled. CCLP continued its advocacy around issues of access to affordable health care, effective welfare reform, and economic justice generally. It is also moving forward in its effort to promote the use of a more realistic self-sufficiency standard in Colorado and to create a Self-Sufficiency Benefits Calculator as a tool for low-income Coloradans and direct service providers.

Discretionary Programs - $39,300

COLTAF made Discretionary Grants totaling $39,300 to seven programs, all of which serve victims of domestic abuse and/or sexual assault. COLTAF funding was used primarily to provide assistance with civil restraining orders and legal advocacy services for victims. These programs serve various geographic areas throughout the state, ranging from isolated rural communities to mid-size towns and larger metropolitan areas. Regardless of location, they all provide much needed assistance to victims of domestic violence at times of crisis.