Additional details can be found in NAA’s Policies & Procedures, Appendix 13: NAA Special Funds
Application Process and Requirements
Applications for LAP funding must be submitted by NAA staff or an NAA-affiliated association or member on the proper LAP Application for Assistance.
All applications will be reviewed and considered by NAA’s General Counsel before being forwarded with a recommendation to the NAA LAP Committee for review. The General Counsel’s recommendation may be to approve, deny, or defer the request. Incomplete applications will not be considered for review by NAA’s General Counsel or the LAP Committee. All applications, including those for financial assistance, must be received promptly to allow review and appropriate action in accordance with court filing deadlines.
To be considered, the application must be completed in full, and all required materials must be submitted at the time of application. Follow-up requests for required information will delay the review process and may lead to a denial of the request. Submission of an application does not guarantee that NAA will fund a request or grant a request for legal assistance.
Funds and other requests for legal assistance will be awarded based on availability of funds and other staff resources. Applying affiliates and members must be in good standing with NAA, including compliance with dues and reporting.
Legal Advocacy Support Grant Requirements
Grants will be capped at $40,000 per request. Should there be a need for a larger amount, the request can still be made with the NAA Executive Committee authorized to review and decide to approve the higher amount.
Grants shall be disbursed in three (3) installments not exceeding $14,000, along with a status update. A minimum interval of 30 days between disbursement requests is required.
NAA also requires repayment (*unless waived) of some of the grant if a successful applicant is awarded attorney fees.
LAP Committee Decisions
The LAP Committee will convene as required to review completed applications. Applicants requesting a Legal Advocacy Support Grant may be required to meet with the LAP Committee to present the request to the LAP Committee.
Applicants will be notified of the Committee’s decision within 5 to 7 business days after the Committee has met. NAA’s General Counsel will communicate (via email or conference call) the decision of the LAP Committee to the applicant. All decisions of the LAP Committee are final.