Creditor Debtor Rights Grant Program
Grant Program Information
The Creditor Debtor Rights Section recognizes the importance for all individuals to have access to legal services. Many Section members are actively involved in making their expertise available to low-income individuals, both through direct representation and/or educational programs. While financial constraints and/or other limitations may deter individuals from seeking legal services, it is important that community services exist to assist with such issues.
Established in 2004, the purpose of the Creditor Debtor Rights Section's grant program is to provide financial assistance to the ongoing operation of community service and legal aid programs.
From December to January of each year, the section accepts applications from all kinds of legal aid programs and services with the grantees generally being notified in March. At the end of the fiscal year, in September, the programs will give an evaluation to the Creditor Debtor Rights Section Executive Committee.
The applications process requires the following elements:
- Completed Application
- Cover Letter
- Project Narrative
- Work Statement
- Evaluation Plan
- Budget
The section's budget for the grant is $10,000, which may be distributed among the chosen applicants.
You will find a detailed description of the application process below. If you would like more information about the grant program in general, please contact the Grant Program Chair, Mallory Satre.
Application Process
The Creditor Debtor Rights Section is currently accepting applications for their grant program. Below you will find the application and instructions for completing your application and where to turn it in.
Applications are due by Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.
Creditor Debtor Rights Section Grant Program Application
To be considered for a grant, applicants must submit the following materials to the Grants Program Chair, Mallory Satre, by the application due date.
1. Application Form (fillable pdf)
2. Cover Letter
3. Project Narrative (please limit to two pages)
Describe the various aspects of the program, including, but not limited to:
4. Project Narrative — Goals, Objectives & Tasks
State the program goal(s), objective(s) for each goal, and tasks for each objective.
Example
Goal: To increase access to legal services for pro bono bankruptcy clients.
Objective #1: Establish neighborhood clinic in West Park to review filing papers.
Tasks: To complete by December 31:
- Locate and secure appropriate clinic location.
- Organize and schedule volunteer staff.
- Purchase supplies and materials, etc.
5. Evaluation Plan
Describe the method of program evaluation, including evaluating the outcomes of stated goals and objectives.
Note: The WSBA Creditor Debtor Rights Section requires a year-end program evaluation report that will be due in Sept. 2026.
5. Budget
Provide a brief statement regading the need for outside financial support in order to operate the program. Please describe:
- Annual operational budget of agency/organization (or include copy of budget)
- Program budget, including percentage of budget using WSBA Creditor Debtor Rights Section grant funds.
Application Submittal
Application Deadline: Jan. 30, 2026 (must be received by this date)
Please submit your application and materials by email to the Grant Program Chair, Mallory Satre, and CC bpartridge@swlaw.com.
Make cover letters out to:
Mallory Satre, Grants Program Chair
WSBA Creditor Debtor Rights Section
Prior Grant Program Recipients
2017-2018
Chelan Douglas County Volunteer Legal Services
Center for Justice
2016-2017
Catholic Community Services of Washington
CENTS (Consumer Education and Training Services)
Center for Justice
Chelan Douglas County Volunteer Legal Services
Volunteer Lawyers Program, Spokane County Bar Association
2015-2016
CENTS (Consumer Education and Training Services)
Legal Action Center, Catholic Community Services
2014–2015
CENTS (Consumer Education and Training Services)
Northwest Consumer Law Center and Consumer Education Training Services
Center for Justice
Chelan Douglas County Volunteer Attorney Services
Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid
Spokane County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers
2013–2014
Center for Justice
Chelan Douglas County Volunteer Attorney Services
Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid
CENTS (Consumer Education and Training Services)
Spokane County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program
2013–2014
Center for Justice
Chelan Douglas County Volunteer Attorney Services
Columbia Legal Services
Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid
King County Bar Foundation
Kitsap Legal Services
LAW Advocates
Legal Action Center, Catholic Community Services
Northwest Consumer Law Center
Snohomish County Legal Services
Spokane County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program
2012–2013
Snohomomish County Legal Services
Cowlitz-wahkiakum Legal Aid
NW Consumer Law Center
Chelan Douglas County Volunteer Attorney Services
Spokane County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program
2011–2012
CENTS (Consumer Education and Training Services)
Snohomish County Legal Services
Chelan Douglas County Volunteer Attorney Services
LAW Advocates
Legal Action Center
Spokane County Bar - CRDR
2010–2011
CENTS (Consumer Education and Training Services)
Chelan Douglas County Volunteer Attorney Services
Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Legal Aid
King County Bar Foundation
LAW Advocates
Legal Action Center
Snohomish County Legal Services
Spokane County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program
Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services
