Granting Guidelines
- General Information
- The Application Process
- Grant Application Schedule
- Guiding Principles
- Application Forms and Instructions (54KB)
- Letter of Agreement (56KB)
IMPORTANT MESSAGE February 3, 2010:
The LFO`s Granting Guidelines, including the application schedule, have been revised. Please read this section carefully for information on our new requirements.
Our revenues are derived from the interest that accumulates on lawyers` and paralegals` mixed trust accounts. The LFO has been able to sustain its grant funding levels for a considerable length of time, despite the recession. However, prolonged and historic lows in interest rates have caused a dramatic decline in the LFO`s revenues, and it has become necessary to make significant changes to our regular granting program.
The major changes being implemented are changes to our application schedule and the maximum amounts for grants. The LFO continues to welcome innovative proposals that fit within its statutory objects. We remain committed to treating all applications fairly. In addition, from time to time, new granting programs may become available, so applicants are also encouraged to visit this website periodically for updates.
General Information- Grants must be consistent with the LFO legislated objects, Mission & Vision and Guiding Principles
- In addition to supporting programs and projects which originate in the legal community, the LFO supports law-related projects/programs from the broader community.
- The LFO is particularly interested in programs and projects which show creativity and innovation
- The LFO encourages applications that propose partnerships and/or demonstrate an effort to secure additional or matching funding
- Grants are normally made to organizations rather than individuals. For example, the LFO does not accept requests from individuals for scholarship or bursary assistance
- Grants are intended to benefit the people of Ontario. In certain cases, grants may be made to organizations or programs that originate outside of the province which show a benefit to the people of Ontario
- Grants will not be made for commercial ventures or government-run programs or projects.
- Grants will not be approved to support litigation or costs directly related to lobbying, advocating or promoting a particular position on a legal or public policy issue.
All granting decisions are made by the LFO Board of Trustees.
LFO staff are available to answer additional questions as you prepare your application.
As part of the application process, applicants are required to:
- Submit an application using the LFO’s application form
- Provide sufficiently detailed information regarding the proposed use of funds
- Respond to any requests from LFO staff for additional information in a timely fashion
Among many other considerations, the LFO will be looking for applications to demonstrate:
- that the proposed work clearly fits within the LFO’s objects, vision, mission and guiding principles;
- that the requesting organization has the skills and experience to plan and carry out the project; and
- that the applicant is ready to be fully accountable to the LFO for monies granted.
We encourage all applicants (especially first-time applicants) to contact LFO staff for advice on the application process. Once your application has been received, LFO staff may contact you for further information as part of the assessment process. The more that the LFO understands about your organization and your proposed program or project, the better assistance we can provide. Please remember, however, that LFO staff must remain impartial and cannot advocate on your behalf to the LFO board. Grant Application Schedule As of February 2010, the LFO has changed its application process for Small and Major Grants, and has also changed the maximum amounts for both types of applications. The following schedule and maximum amounts for Small and Major Grants are now in effect:
Small Grants - up to $15,000 (Two application cycles per year)
| Application Deadline #1 | March 31 |
| Decision By | Early June |
| Application Deadline #2 | September 15 |
| Decision By | Early December |
| Letter of Intent Deadline * | March 31 |
| Decision By | Early May |
| Full Application Deadline * | June 15 |
| Decision By | Early December |
- Click here for the Application Form and Instructions (one document sets out all requirements for Small Grants, Letters of Intent, and Major Grants).
- On occasion, grant applications may be sent to an outside expert for review on a confidential basis.
- Please remember, there is no guarantee that your application will go forward on any specific Board meeting date.
- Successful grant applicants will receive a Letter of Agreement which will contain Grant Terms & Conditions. We recommend that you review the terms of this Agreement before you submit a Letter of Intent or any application for funding.
- The Foundation exists to benefit the people of Ontario in Canada and the world.
- The Foundation addresses social and economic issues through its support of programs that increase access to justice.
- The Foundation encourages excellence in the legal profession.
- The Foundation is committed to enhancing the public’s experience with the law.
- The Foundation enables organizations that have the capacity to play a leadership role by being vibrant, progressive, and self-critical; and is interested in work that over time will be regenerative.
- The Foundation encourages collaboration in pursuit of access to justice: by itself partnering with others; through actively promoting partnerships among grantees; and by supporting collaboration between the legal profession and the public at large.
- The Foundation encourages and promotes new thinking about current and emerging legal issues.
- The Foundation supports non-commercial and not-for-profit activity.
- The Foundation values learning, transparency and accountability, both in its own work and in that of the organizations it supports.
