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
Championing the most complex refugees applications
Catalyst granting from The Law Foundation of Ontario is helping FCJ Refugee Centre extend its services and outreach.
2018-2019 PIAF articling highlights
We asked our 2018-2019 Public Interest Articling Fellowship participants to share some highlights of their articling experience. Here is some of what they shared.
Comic helps newcomers and frontline workers understand labour rights
Newcomers Facing Labour Struggles is a comic book produced by KEYS Job Centre that illustrates the types of law-related issues newcomers can face when trying to get, and keep, employment in Canada.