By Liz Garcia (NM)

1. What is the State Justice Institute (SJI)? 

SJI was created by federal law in 1984 as a non-profit organization to award grants to improve the administration of justice in state courts.  It is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of state court chief justices, judges, a State Court Administrator, and 4 members from the public (2 from each political party).  SJI has an Executive Director and staff that make recommendations to the Board on grant applications and manage and direct national grant programs.  Each year the Board designates Priority Investment Areas for grant funding.

2. What is unique about SJI funding? 

SJI is the only source of federal funding designated exclusively to the state courts.  Only courts and entities that work with or for courts are eligible to apply.

3. What types of projects does SJI fund?  

SJI is more geared towards supporting projects that have a technical assistance (TA) and/or implementation component.  There is less focus on research projects, unless there is a TA component, such as how the research can be put into action.  SJI also supports court associations through funding for education and training.

4. What does the application process look like?  

We accept applications on a quarterly basis.  The Board of Directors also meets quarterly to review applications and make funding decisions.  Applicants are typically updated on the status of their award the same week that the Board meets each quarter.  Applications are submitted via our online Grant Management System.  We are always happy to answer technical questions related to the submission process.

5. What makes an application stand out?  

The compelling applications we see directly support state/local courts and court involved persons; are collaborative in nature (court and non-court partners) with letters of support from the partners; address one or possibly more of SJI’s Priority Investment Areas; include innovative ideas or approaches; and have the potential for impact in the broader court community.  The strongest applications are written in a way that clearly communicates why the project is important, why funding is needed, how success will be measured, and include a clear plan for sustainability.

6. Any specific do’s and don’ts you can share?  

SJI is prohibited from funding operational costs, including the costs of court and government personnel and equipment.  SJI typically does not fund drug courts and other types of problem-solving courts, since there are other federal grant funds available to support these activities.  Very often SJI funds support hiring a contractor or consultant to identify an issue, advance a new practice, or provide training.  

7. Can potential applicants reach out to discuss an idea before they apply?  

Yes, we encourage potential applicants to email or call us to discuss their ideas/proposals prior to submitting.  We can provide guidance that can help the applicant determine whether or not to submit a grant application, and what to include or not include in a proposal.  Email is probably the best way to communicate with us.

8. What do you like about working at SJI?

After all of the years I have spent working in and with courts, I am still regularly surprised by something that they do.  So, I am constantly learning.  While I do really enjoy funding innovative ideas that courts have, my favorite thing to do is to absorb all I can about those innovations and share them with as many other practitioners as possible.  I have found that courts are not the best at bragging about the amazing things that they do.  So, I not only encourage them to do that but also share their good work on their behalf.

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We are grateful to the SJI for a 2026 Curriculum Adaptation & Training Grant Award to the NCACC of $26,466, which has made a significant positive impact on appellate court clerks throughout the nation.  This grant has allowed us to provide scholarships and exceptional educational programming to our members.