The program funds nonprofit organizations focused on bolstering access to justice in the province
The Law Foundation of Ontario has begun accepting applications for this year’s Catalyst program, which funds established nonprofit organizations focused on bolstering access to justice in the province.
The program offers core operating (organizational and program) funding to help organizations deliver programs and services and respond to emerging needs, the LFO said. These functions include administrative infrastructure, programs, and needed staff.
Those who meet the criteria set out in this year’s open call will be given three-year grants. Funding will be distributed for the first year; the finances for the second and third year will be given based on the results of an annual assessment and approval process. Organizations are not guaranteed to receive funding beyond the three-year cycle.
Eligible grant recipients are registered charities, nonprofits, universities or community colleges, and Indigenous organizations. Qualified applicants must be led by an independent board of directors and meet additional criteria in the Catalyst applications call.
Applicants may only seek up to $1 million in funding over the three-year cycle. The applications must include a business pitch for the requested funds, and the funds must support known or anticipated expenses that have not been financed. Yearly increases should be included if applicable. Moreover, the grant funding requested must not exceed 80 percent of the applicant’s annual operating budget.
Groups from outside Ontario can apply for the program as long as they serve Ontario residents. However, Legal Aid Ontario clinics may not apply for the current program; the applications of law schools or programs already funded by the Law Foundation will be reviewed with the existing funding in mind. Responsive grant recipients may also apply, but the grants may not operate at the same time; a Responsive grant must be converted to a Catalyst grant or the Responsive grant must end before the Catalyst grant commences.
Organizations that run access to justice programs may apply as long as the funds will be used for program costs and part of the core operating expenses are related to the organization’s access to justice activities.
The Law Foundation will determine this year’s grant recipients by the middle of this year.
