About us

Through granting and collaboration, The Law Foundation of Ontario invests in knowledge and services that help people understand the law and use it to improve their lives.
A smiling Asian woman with long, straight black hair wearing glasses and standing near a busy city street
Toronto lawyer Min provided pro bono legal advice to women in rural and remote communities who have experienced domestic violence through Luke’s Place’s Virtual Legal Clinic

The Law Foundation of Ontario was established in 1974 under the Law Society Act. The Foundation receives and uses the interest on lawyers’ and paralegals’ mixed trust accounts to support legal education, legal research, legal aid, and law libraries in Ontario. We do this through grantmaking to nonprofits and providing funds to Legal Aid Ontario.

A priority for the Foundation is to pay particular attention to groups who have experienced injustice or inequity – past or current – and those who have experienced exclusion or barriers in society.

The Foundation also administers the Class Proceedings Fund, which provides cost assistance in class actions. The Class Proceedings Committee is responsible for deciding who will receive funding.

Our vision

Putting people at the heart of justice.

Our mission
Our values

Access to justice exists when the public can understand, use, and afford information and services to prevent and resolve their legal disputes and to achieve just outcomes without delay.

Our people

Meet our dedicated team of Board of Trustees, Class Proceedings Committee, and staff members.

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Strategic plan

As we begin our 50th anniversary year, we are excited to share Growing Possibilities, our 2024-2029 strategic plan.

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Annual reports

The Law Foundation of Ontario annual report provides an overview of the year’s activities and it is accompanied by audited financial statements.

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What's new

A colourful logo that says "Celebrating 50 years advancing access to justice"
News

Highlights of our 50th anniversary year

October 23, 2024

Sharing the collection of words, videos, and images that commemorate and celebrate our 50th anniversary.

Join our team
News

Job posting: Grants Manager

December 19, 2024

The Foundation is seeking to hire two Grants Managers, at least one of which must be bilingual in English and French.

John Borrows Guthrie Award celebration

December 14, 2024

We gathered on November 20, 2024 to present John Borrows with the Guthrie Award, the Foundation’s signature award to recognize exceptional access to justice champions.