State funding is the third largest funding source for civil legal aid. In 2000, state funding totaled approximately $105,000,000. This included approximately $37,000,000 from court fees and fines in 20 states, and $68,000,000 from direct state appropriations in 26 states. To date, 39 states receive at least one form of state funding. Several states plan to seek new or increased funding in the 2001-2002 legislative sessions.

The ABA PERLS Project tracks and provides technical assistance on state funding issues. See the ABA's Chart of Significant Fundraising Activities for Legal Services or e-mail Meredith McBurney for more information.