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.
We are the sole foundation in Ontario with the mandate of improving access to justice. 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.
Putting people at the heart of justice.
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
The Law Foundation of Ontario is governed by a five-person voluntary Board of Trustees and supported by a staff team. Meet our Board and staff.
Strategic plan
Following a process that included input from stakeholders, The Law Foundation of Ontario’s 2016-2020 strategic plan identifies four strategic directions.
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.
What's new
Responsive Call for Applications
Call for applications information and application form to apply to the Responsive grants program
Deadlines: Small & Major Grant – March 31; Small Grant – September 1 (every year)
Grant amounts: Small Grant – up to $15K; Major Grant – up to $100,000 AND $100K to $250K
Class Proceedings Fund welcomes John P. Brown
The Class Proceedings Fund is pleased to announce the appointment of John P. Brown to its Class Proceedings Committee.
Over $700K to support empirical research on data collection and access in the justice sector
The Foundation has invested over $700K to fund 13 Measuring Impacts and Progress research projects to support empirical research to help improve how the justice system serves the people of Ontario.