Press Release  AG’s Office Opens Grant Application Period for Local Consumer Mediation Programs

BOSTON —  Attorney General Maura Healey today opened the application period for grant funding for local mediation programs across the state through the Local Consumer Aid Fund Grants (LCAF).

As part of its services to consumers, the AG's Office uses settlement funds to provide grants to a statewide network of Face-to-Face Mediation Programs. These programs provide in-person mediation services to support the resolution of issues like consumer, landlord, and tenant disputes.

In fiscal year 2017, the AG’s Office provided funding to 16 Face-to-Face Mediation Programs that serve more than two-thirds of the state’s cities and towns and 49 District Courts. 

Face-to-Face Mediation Programs support the resolution of consumer and landlord-tenant disputes and receive cases from trial court and the AG’s Office. Mediation sessions are held at small claims courts and at the offices of Face-to-Face programs. Mediations are confidential and can be conducted at various stages of disputes. Each program also trains, recruits and supervises a pool of volunteer mediators. The AG’s Office provides oversight and support of these programs through monitoring and site visits.

Applications for eligible grantees will be accepted from any 501(c)3 organization in good standing with the Non-Profit/Public Charities Division of the AG’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service. Funding may also be provided to local government agencies including District Attorneys’ Offices, mayors’ offices, town offices and colleges and universities. 

Eligible organizations seeking funding should submit an application no later than 4 p.m. on May 12, 2017. Questions regarding the grant funding must be submitted no later than May 11, 2017. Grants will be awarded for the period from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, for fiscal year 2018. Interested applicants can visit the Attorney General’s website, located at www.mass.gov/ago/grants, for additional information about the application process and to download application materials.

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