Goal: To ensure low-income residents have equal opportunities for legal representation and advocacy services

Overview: With the creation of the Marin Justice Center in 2002, MCF established its commitment to an accessible, seamless legal services system that provides quality services for poor and disadvantaged Marin residents. Affordable, quality legal and advocacy assistance can help individuals gain or maintain economic security, preserve safe housing, prevent domestic violence, and promote civic participation--thus addressing the root causes of poverty.

Nonprofit legal services providers are vital partners to protect the rights of those without the economic resources, public voice, or skills to defend themselves. Individuals who understand their rights and responsibilities, and who receive equal treatment and opportunity, are better prepared to interact with legal and civic systems and can then become fully engaged members of the community.

Under this goal, MCF will support projects that incorporate the following strategies:

Strategy 1: Assist low-income residents to receive legal and advocacy services that enable them to secure or maintain employment, education, and safe housing

Strategy 2: Assist low-income residents to understand and protect their individual rights

Process: This goal area will use a Request for Proposal process. RFPs will be sent to eligible nonprofits. The Grant Application Center will not be used for this goal.

Request for Proposals sent: July 15, 2008

Deadline for Proposal: August 15, 2008

Interim Contact: Patti D'Angelo (program associate) by e-mail or at 415.464.2547