Lansing, Michigan – August 11, 2026
The Michigan State Bar Foundation (MSBF) has released its annual Grantee Services Report, highlighting the impact of civil legal aid programs that helped low-income Michiganders address critical legal issues affecting their housing, safety, health, and economic stability in 2025.
The report showcases the statewide network of legal aid programs and services supported by the Foundation, including Michigan Legal Help and the Counsel and Advocacy Law Line (CALL), which work together to improve access to justice for approximately 1.7 million eligible Michigan residents.
Through client stories, service data, and program outcomes, the report demonstrates how legal aid helps individuals and families maintain stable housing, escape domestic violence, secure essential benefits and overcome other legal challenges that threaten their well-being.
The report also highlights:
- Success stories that demonstrate the life-changing impact of legal assistance on clients
- The legal issues and case types that frequently affect low-income clients
- The legal aid programs and services available throughout the state
- The Foundation’s investments that strengthen Michigan’s civil legal aid infrastructure and expand access to justice
“Michigan State Bar Foundation remains committed to investing in the statewide network that helps low-income Michiganders address critical legal issues. The value of legal aid extends far beyond individual cases. The recently released Social Economic Impact and Return on Investment of Civil Legal Aid Services in the State of Michigan found that every dollar invested in legal aid generates $5.49 in economic return, strengthening both lives and communities across our state.” said Jennifer Bentley, Executive Director of the Michigan State Bar Foundation.
The Grantee Services Report is produced annually by the Michigan State Bar Foundation as a resource to provide insight into Michigan’s civil legal aid system and the critical services available to residents who cannot afford legal representation.
Read the 2025 Grantee Services Report here.
The Michigan State Bar Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization, established in 1947 and provides leadership and grants to improve access for all to the justice system, including support for civil legal aid for low-income individuals, law-related education, and conflict resolution. The Foundation also administers the Access to Justice Campaign. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.msbf.org.