LSC permits grantees to use LSC funds for matching requirements in federally financed programs only when “the agency whose funds are being matched determines in writing that [LSC] funds may be used for federal matching purposes.”  45 C.F.R. § 1630.3(a)(8). 

On June 16, 2016, the Director of the Office for Victims of Crime, Joye E. Frost, issued a written letter that satisfies this requirement.

The use of LSC funds as matching funds must meet all other applicable LSC or Office for Victims of Crime requirements.  Regardless of whether LSC funds are used for matching, they can be used only for LSC-permissible activities and only in compliance with the Legal Services Corporation Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 2996–2996l) applicable appropriations law; Legal Services Corporation rules, regulations (45 CFR Parts 1600–1644), guidelines, and instructions; the Accounting Guide for LSC Recipients; the terms and conditions of the grant or contract; and other applicable law.  See Grantee Guidance.  This Program Letter is not preapproval of any specific activities, expenditures, or costs. 

If you have any questions regarding the LSC matching-funds requirements, please contact Lora Rath—Director of the Office of Compliance and Enforcement—at rathl@lsc.gov or Mark Freedman in the Office of Legal Affairs at mfreedman@lsc.gov.