The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice and the Access to Justice Division of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts announced on June 1 that applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Access to Justice Improvement Grant Program. Courts across Illinois at all levels are encouraged to apply for funding and consider joining the Court Navigator Network, which supports self-represented litigants and promotes access to justice.
The Request for Proposals is currently open, with applications accepted through July 10, 2026. The grant program encourages local courts to assess their communities’ needs in advancing access to justice as it enters its tenth year. Past grant funds have supported initiatives such as transforming underused courthouse spaces into self-help centers, updating signage, creating early resolution programs for divorce cases, and building partnerships with public libraries.
Courts may participate in the Court Navigator Network even if they do not receive or request a grant. The network includes grant recipients, Illinois JusticeCorps members, and Illinois Court Help guides. Members act as a bridge between courthouses throughout the state by sharing ideas, developing new initiatives, and strengthening support for self-represented litigants.
Participation in the network provides local courts an opportunity to connect with peers across Illinois, learn about innovative projects from other jurisdictions, and bring new perspectives back to their own communities. More information about joining the network is available in the Request for Proposals document.
For additional details or questions regarding participation or application procedures, contact Sarah Song, Deputy Director of the Access to Justice Division.
