The FFLA Board of Directors met in person on June 18, 2026, in connection with its Annual Award Ceremony and Breakfast during The Florida Bar Annual Convention in Orlando. The major actions of the board and reports received included:
Adoption of FYE 6-30-2027 (FY 26-27) Operating Budget
The Budget and Finance Committee recommended, and the Board approved, FFLA’s operating budget in the total amount of $2,745,260, which represents less than 2% of FFLA’s total projected expenses for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The operating budget includes three new positions: IOTA Enhancement Manager, Grants Data and Compliance Analyst and Communications Coordinator. The board also adopted a proposed capital budget in the amount of $70,000 for expenses associated with FFLA’s office building.
Grants Committee Report
Five Improvements in the Administration of Justice Grants Awarded
The Improvements in the Administration of Justice (AOJ) grant program provides funding for programs that support the process of operating the courts in an effective and expeditious manner. This annual competitive grant program supports projects that enhance civil legal services through innovative and cost-effective means, provide direct civil legal services to groups of clients currently underserved, improve the operation and management of the court and justice systems or otherwise promote improvement in the administration of justice.
The Board previously approved an allocation of $900,000 to fund the AOJ Program for FY 2025-26. In an effort to align AOJ grants with all other FFLA grants on a calendar year grant cycle, the grant period for 2026 AOJ grants was extended by six months, to run from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027. The Executive Committee voted to increase the grant allocation to $1,350,000 to provide for the six-month extension. An additional $450,000 will be allocated from the FY 2026-27 grant allocation.
FFLA received 10 applications requesting a total of $2,156,155. A work group independently reviewed and scored applications then met to review scores and financial and staffing data. The work group presented funding recommendations to the Grants Committee for consideration, which thereafter made recommendations to the board. The board reviewed and approved funding the following projects:
| Organization Name | Project Name | Grant Amount Requested | Grant Amount Approved |
|---|---|---|---|
| CABA Pro Bono Legal Services | Neurodivergent Legal Assistance Program | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| Florida Rural Legal Services | Initiative for AI-Powered Intake/Hotline System | $88,560 | $88,560 |
| Florida’s Children First | Empowering Foster Youth Through Legal Collaboration | $612,500 | $525,000 |
| The Florida Bar – Appellate Practice Section | Pro Se Handbook – Translation and ADA Update | $53,846 | $53,846 |
| United Way of Indian River County | A2J Self Help Centers | $295,000 | $295,000 |
| Total | $1,112,406 |
All other applications were respectfully declined. FFLA appreciates the efforts of Ayana Barrow, Brian Currie, Deborah Giles, Doug Reynolds, Kyle Robisch and Lynn Drysdale, who were assisted by staff members Jessica Brown, Julie Collins, Michelle Fonseca, Jonathan Guitard, Ember Long, Donny MacKenzie, and Lindsey Stout.
Elder Law Grant Program Description Approved
The Grants Committee recommended, and the Board approved, the Elder Law Grant Program description. Chair Maria Gonzalez reported that staff will prepare and publish the grant application with inaugural awards expected to be decided at the Board’s meeting in September for distribution in December. The Board previously allocated $1,500,000 for the program’s first grant cycle.
Children’s Legal Services Bridge Funding Approved
Executive Director Donny MacKenzie reported that, due to FFLA converting its grant cycles to calendar year grants periods, there will be a six-month gap between the previous Children’s Legal Services (CLS) grant cycle and the next. As a result, FFLA received a request from CLS grantee Florida State University for six months of bridge funding. The Board approved the committee’s recommendations to award FSU a six-month extension in the amount of $57,100. The Board further approved a plan whereby FFLA will notify all other current CLS grantees that they may apply for a similar extension, subject to an application process and limited to the amount of unawarded CLS funds remaining from the prior grant cycle. Applications for these extensions will be open until August 15.
President and President-elect’s Reports
President Ashley Sybesma passed the gavel to President-elect Maria Gonzalez. Ms. Gonzalez presented her committee assignments and dates for board meetings for FY 2026-27, which were approved by the Board. Ms. Gonzalez’s term begins July 1, 2026. President Sybesma also recognized those members of the Board and the Foundation Endowment Trust who were terming off on June 30, 2026, and thanked them for their service and commitment. Those are:
- Bob Pardo, Immediate Past President of FFLA, who termed off the Board but will continue to serve as an Endowment Trustee.
- Steve Salzer, who concluded two three-year terms on the Board.
- Sarita Courtney-Baigorri, who termed off the Board after completing the remainder of a vacated three-year Bar-appointed seat, followed by an additional three-year term.
- Stephen R. Senn, who concluded his service as an Endowment Trustee.
Next Meeting
The Board’s next scheduled meetings will be on September 10-11, 2026, in Ft. Lauderdale. FFLA greatly appreciates Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law for hosting FFLA and these meetings. This meeting will include FFLA’s annual orientation for new directors, with all directors invited.
FFLA will also be hosting an orientation for new grantees on September 9, 2026, in Ft. Lauderdale. Director Doug Reynolds and the Tripp Scott law firm will be hosting FFLA for the orientation which FFLA greatly appreciates.
