The Basics
Improvement Grants help counties develop new programs or processes to improve indigent defense. Improvement Grants are competitive, dependent on available funding, and usually require county matching funds. Funding priorities include the following:
- New public defender offices
- New managed assigned counsel systems
- Mental health, juvenile, or other specialty defender offices
- Indigent defense coordinators
Interested counties should contact TIDC staff to explore ideas to improve indigent defense.
Learn More
To find out whether your county is eligible for an Improvement Grant, contact TIDC Director of Grant Funding Edwin Colfax: ecolfax@tidc.texas.gov or (512)936-6994.
You can also read about public defender offices and managed assigned counsel programs on our Publications page.
Please view our presentation on TIDC's FY22 Improvement Grant Application process here:
Apply for an Improvement Grant
Have you talked to TIDC and determined your county is eligible? You can apply here.
February 12, 2021 1:00 PM CST
Improvement Grant Application Training Presentation
Please review our presentation on TIDC's FY22 Improvement Grant Application process here: FY22 Improvement Grant Application Training presentation
This is an optional training to learn about TIDC’s Improvement Grant Program, what kinds of programs are eligible, and how to prepare and submit an application. The FY2022 Improvement Grant Request for Applications (RFA) is now available on TIDC’s website and details eligibility and the application process.
Applications are due May 7, 2021 for programs beginning October 1, 2021. Counties considering an application are strongly encouraged to submit a brief online Intent to Submit Application form as soon as possible and no later than March 31, 2021 to ensure that the proposed program is eligible and to get initial feedback. Please contact TIDC with any questions or to discuss ideas for grant proposals.
Have Questions?
TIDC's Grant Team can help.
