What is NAIP?

The National Association of IOLTA Programs (NAIP) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization for funders of civil legal aid throughout the Canadian provinces and territories and all United States jurisdictions — including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. NAIP supports the growth and development of Interest on Lawyers Trust Account (IOLTA) programs and works to increase access to justice for all.

NAIP is the largest association of civil legal aid grant-makers in North America. NAIP's membership includes more than 60 IOLTA organizations.

Our History

NAIP was established in 1986 to enhance legal services and justice for low-income and vulnerable individuals through the growth and development of IOLTA programs as effective grant-making organizations.

Also, in 1986, the American Bar Association (ABA) created a nine-member Commission on IOLTA to collect, maintain, analyze, and disseminate IOLTA-related information; make recommendations for ABA policy related to IOLTA programs; and serve as a liaison with state IOLTA programs. NAIP and the Commission have worked together closely over the years, serving as the central source of critical information and expertise essential to the effective management of our unique IOLTA programs.

IOLTA programs have matured since 1986. To bridge the gap between civil legal aid needs and resources, NAIP members individually and collectively have worked hard to maximize IOLTA income and tap into other resources, such as cy pres awards, court filing fees, abandoned funds, attorney registration fees, annual fund-raising within the bar, public funding, pro bono services, and more.