Grant Program 2008 - 2009

About the Elder Law Section

The Elder Law Section is a voluntary member group of the Washington State Bar Association. The majority of Section members are legal practitioners practicing in area(s) of law serving the senior citizens of Washington state. Areas of law may include:  Medicare/Medicaid, estate planning, guardianship, and real estate. The Section began in the early 1990's and is currently comprised of approximately 600 members. Officers and an executive committee govern the Section. Congeniality among members is marked by the frequent exchange of ideas through the Section's listserve and annual meeting in addition to collaborative activities with the Washington Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, NAELA.        

Purpose of Annual Grant Program

The practitioners of the WSBA Elder Law Section recognize the importance for all seniors to have access to legal services. While financial constraints and/or physical limitations impede seniors in seeking elder law services, it is recognized that community services exist to assist them with legal issues. Therefore, the Elder Law Section has established a grant program to financially assist with the on-going operation of these community service programs.

Eligible Grant Recipients

For the fiscal year of October 1, 2008, to September 30, 2009, all currently operating programs offered by Washington state non-profit organizations that provide legal services are encouraged to apply. Beneficiaries of the current programs must be Washington state senior residents.

Amount and Number of Grant Awards 

A total up to $15,000 in grant funds is available each year. An award amount may vary from $1,000 to 5,000 annually depending on the type of program and number of seniors served. The number of award recipients varies based on the type of programs and number of programs seeking funding. Grant funds must be applied to program general operating costs; interested applicants must apply annually.

Disbursement of Grant Awards

Grant funds will be distributed in one installment within 45 days of the announcement of awards at the Elder Law Section Annual Meeting/CLE in September. Award recipients will be asked to submit a "Midyear Program Evaluation" report. Submission of an evaluation report is taken into consideration for receipt of future grant awards. Please see the following timeline for further details.

Program Timeline 
(please note dates are subject to change)
• August 15, 2008
Grant applications due.
• September 12, 2008
Grant recipients announced at Elder Law Section Annual Meeting (recipients need not be present).
• By October 1, 2008
Grant award letters mailed to recipients.
• By October 31, 2008
Distribution of grant funds to recipients.
• By March 1, 2009
Distribution of Midyear Program Evaluation.
• February 2009
Midyear Program Evaluation due.

     
For Questions and Further Information
Please contact the Elder Law Section's Grant Program Chair:
Richard C. Tizzano, Attorney at Law
360-697-7132
richardt@legalpeaceofmind.com