Grant Program 2009–2010
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 1990s 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 list serve 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 may 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, 2009, to September 30, 2010, any Washington state non-profit organization operating a program(s) which offers legal services is encouraged to apply. Beneficiaries of the program(s) offered 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 applicants. Grant funds must be applied to program general operating costs during the described fiscal year.
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 held 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 14, 2009 - Grant applications due (e-mailed or postmarked by this date)
• September 18, 2009 - Grant recipients announced at Elder Law Section Annual Meeting (recipients need not be present)
• By October 1, 2009 - Grant award letters mailed to recipients
• By October 31, 2009 - Distribution of grant funds to recipients
• By March 1, 2010 - Distribution of Midyear Program Evaluation
• By April 1, 2010 - Midyear Program Evaluation due
Grant Application
Application Deadline: August 14, 2009
(must be received via e-mail or postmarked by this date).
Submission of Application
Please complete and e-mail (preferred) to:
Richard C. Tizzano, Chair, Grant Program, at richardt@legalpeaceofmind.com.
or mail to:
Elder Law Section – Grant Program
Washington State Bar Association
1325 4th Ave., Ste. 600
Seattle, WA 98101-2539
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
