Law Foundation of Ontario: Responsive Grants
Due to high demand, the Foundation is no longer accepting new applications to the 2025 Responsive program, effective July 4, 2025. A new call for 2026 applications is in development.
Sponsor’s Website
Visit the Law Foundation of Ontario website for more information on the Responsive Grants.
Internal Contact
Katie Harriman: katie.harriman@carleton.ca
Potential applicants are also encouraged to discuss this funding opportunity with their Faculty Research Facilitator.
Deadlines
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Faculty deadline | Consult your Faculty Research Facilitator |
| Internal cuResearch Approval Form | One week prior to sponsor submission |
| Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Law Foundation of Ontario | No deadline (rolling basis) |
| Submission of full application (by invitation) | To be determined. |
Overview
Responsive Grants provide much-needed financial support to organizations working to advance access to justice for the people of Ontario. They fund legal education, legal research or programs that supplement existing legal services and fill gaps in the justice system by connecting more people to legal information and support, particularly those who are currently not being reached.
Value and Duration
Up to $250,000 per year for up to two years (total $500,000).
Eligibility
Canadian universities are eligible to apply. Projects must be of benefit to Ontario and advance access to justice through legal education, legal research, or a project(s) or program(s) focused on legal content.
Applicants with less than six months remaining on current Responsive grants are eligible to apply. Current Catalyst grant holders are not eligible to apply.
Applicants cannot currently hold Responsive or Catalyst grants from the Foundation, unless the applicant has less than three months remaining in their grant(s) by the time their new proposal (for which the applicant is now applying) is set to begin.
Special Requirements
Confirmation is required to indicate that your department/faculty head or other appropriate institutional authority is aware of your application.
Submitting Your Application
- Submit an internal Approval Form through our central awards management database cuResearch. Consult the user’s manual for guidance.
- Submit a brief EOI to the Law Foundation of Ontario via email: grants@lawfoundation.on.ca.
- Eligible projects will be invited to develop a full application with the support of Foundation staff, who will contact you about scheduling an initial one-hour consultation within 30 business days.
- Once completed, the full application will be brought to the Foundation Board for a granting decision within approximately three months.