State Support for Civil Legal Services: Training Center

The IOLA Fund of the State of New York is seeking proposals to establish a Training Center aimed at enhancing civil legal services across all counties in New York State. The initiative is part of the Fund’s broader mission to support qualified non-profit organizations that provide high-quality, cost-effective legal representation to eligible clients and improve the administration of justice. The contract awarded will be a multi-year agreement spanning four years, with a total funding allocation of up to $4 million, contingent upon available funding and state appropriations. The selected nonprofit organization will be responsible for developing, delivering, and maintaining comprehensive training programs—covering legal, professional, and technical skills—using diverse formats and technological platforms. Collaboration with existing legal services entities and community input will be essential to ensure the training efforts are coordinated, efficient, and avoid duplication. The procurement process is open to eligible organizations, with a submission deadline of October 30, 2025. The contract will commence on January 1, 2026, and run through December 31, 2029. The initiative emphasizes inclusivity, with specific goals for disadvantaged and women-owned subcontracting, although there are no set-asides for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. The project aligns with the broader Justice Infrastructure Project and aims to strengthen the capacity of legal service providers statewide. Interested parties can find further details and submit proposals through the designated online portal, with primary contact being Colleen Fehringer, Deputy Director of Programs at the IOLA Fund.