Glossary of Application Terms

This is an Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) designation given to not-for-profit organizations that enables organizations to receive tax-deductible contributions. FurtherJustice will only provide grants to an organization: 

     (a) that has received a tax exemption determination letter from the IRS determining that an organization is entitled to 501(c)(3) status; or  

     (b) that is fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3).  In the case of a fiscally sponsored organization, FurtherJustice will provide the grant to an organization’s fiscal sponsor (see definition of “Fiscal Sponsor” below). 

Civil law matters are not criminal in nature. They include but are not limited to matters involving: family law; housing law; immigration law; employment law; re-entry issues such as criminal record expungement; or public benefit appeals.

A fiscal sponsor is a not-for-profit organization that provides administrative services to help build the capacity of a charitable project or organization. Such administrative services can include financial management, fiduciary oversight, and other back-office functions. A fiscal sponsor can receive and administer donations and grants on behalf of a charitable project or organization that is not yet recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) or that does not plan to be recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3).  

A justice worker works with the legal system or with legal tools to preserve, advance and/or advocate for justice for individuals within a community. Justice workers can include legal advocates and navigators (who help individuals and communities understand their rights and resources, and help them navigate the legal system), paralegals (who aid in the administration of legal work), accredited representatives and other professionals.

An organization engaged in legal capacity-building is working to develop, support and strengthen the skills necessary for the legal sector sector to meet and adapt to the changing or growing needs of a particular community. Capacity-building tools might include but are not limited to: technology development and innovation; legal training and education; technical assistance; advocacy and strategic impact litigation; research,  data collection and analysis; and pipeline programs for justice workers (see definition of “Justice Worker” below).

In defining “low-income,” we look to the organization’s own criteria in determining who is eligible for its services. We would generally expect individuals served by the organization to be at or below 150-200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

An underserved individual is someone whose necessities of life are systematically unmet for reasons other than income. An underserved individual may experience a disparity in the provision and/or quality of services otherwise available to others in their community based on race, religion, language, gender, sexuality, immigration status or other social status.