The 'Responsive grants' program is designed to fund community-driven projects
In early 2024, the Law Foundation of Ontario awarded nearly $1.5 million in grants to support access to justice for individuals with disabilities, survivors of violence, Indigenous communities, and other vulnerable groups.
The Law Foundation’s “Responsive grants,” designed to fund community-driven projects that improve access to justice, has been accepting applications on a rolling basis since February. The recent grants covered a broad spectrum of legal support, from legal education for First Nations to trauma-informed legal services for survivors of intimate partner violence.
Among the grant recipients, the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII) received $248,000 to develop a project that uses Artificial Intelligence to summarize Ontario case law and legislation. The summaries, available in both official languages, will be freely accessible online. The goal is to make complex legal documents more understandable and searchable for both legal professionals and the public.
The Chiefs of Ontario were awarded $250,000 to create legal education resources focused on the duty to consult First Nations. Through legal research and engagement with Ontario’s 133 First Nations, the project aims to establish guidelines for accommodation and consultation, benefiting both Indigenous communities and government bodies.
EmpowerHer Diversity Hub received $78,000 to conduct a legal needs assessment for vulnerable groups in Ontario, including agricultural workers, international students, and survivors of gender-based violence with precarious immigration status. The research will help develop resources to address key legal needs and create a map of available legal services for these communities.
In St. Catharines, Gillian’s Place was granted $200,000 to support survivors of gender-based violence. The funding will enable the organization to hire a family court support worker to assist women navigating family and criminal court systems. The project is part of Gillian’s Place’s broader legal program, which offers free legal advice, referrals, and support to women who have experienced intimate partner violence.
The Seizure and Brain Injury Centre received $136,000 to make legal services more accessible to individuals living with brain injuries in northern Ontario. The project will develop toolkits tailored to the needs of brain injury survivors and expand access to virtual court services for remote communities.
In partnership with the University of Ottawa, the Ottawa & District Injured Workers’ Group was awarded $117,800 to expand its University Clinic Project. The initiative provides legal support to workers whose Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claims have been denied, enhancing access to justice for injured workers across the province.
Legal Advocates for Nature’s Defence (LAND) secured $250,000 to deliver legal resources and training on environmental and Indigenous rights in northern Ontario. The project will establish an advisory group of Indigenous Knowledge Holders to support Indigenous communities in protecting their lands and legal rights.
Finally, Victim Services Toronto received $220,000 to work with Toronto Police 51 Division in providing legal information, trauma support, and court accompaniment for crime victims. The project will help strengthen the connection between police, the criminal justice system, and community support agencies.
Since 1974, the Law Foundation of Ontario has supported a wide range of legal initiatives across the province to empower individuals to better understand and use the law to improve their lives.
