These answers cover how the Foundation’s grant process works, who can apply, and what the Foundation funds. If you have a question that is not addressed here, the Grants Team is happy to help. You can reach us at grants@albertalawfoundation.org.
The Annual Grant Cycle
The Foundation is moving to a single annual grant cycle. Beginning September 1, 2026, applications are received once a year through an open call, and all applications are considered together. This replaces the previous practice of accepting applications at different points throughout the year.
A single annual cycle allows the Foundation to consider all applications together and to align funding decisions with its annual planning. For organizations, it provides a clear and predictable schedule to plan around: one open call each year, a single decision point, and consistent timelines for when decisions are made and when funds are released. The Foundation’s commitment to supporting Alberta’s justice sector remains strong. This change is about how and when applications are received and reviewed.
The Board makes funding decisions for all streams at a single meeting in November. Applicants are notified of the outcome after that meeting.
Timing depends on the size of the grant. Grants under $250,000 are disbursed on January 1, once grant agreements are signed. Grants of $250,000 or more are disbursed on April 1, following a review and approval by the Government of Alberta that is required under legislation. In both cases, the funding decision is made by the Board in November.
Under the Foundation’s governing legislation, grants at or above $250,000 are provided to the Government of Alberta for review and approval before funds are released. This approval is required by law and applies regardless of the type of grant. It is the reason larger grants are disbursed in April rather than in January.
All applications now come in through the one annual open call in September. We encourage you to begin planning so your application is ready when the call opens on September 1st.
Past funding does not guarantee future funding. Each year applications are considered together through the open call and assessed against published criteria.
No. The Foundation’s commitment to funding Alberta’s justice sector remains strong. This is a change to how and when applications are received and reviewed, not a reduction in support.
Yes. We remain committed to open communication and to strong working relationships across the sector throughout the year.
Existing grant agreements continue according to their terms. The new annual cycle applies to how new applications are received and reviewed going forward. Disbursements on existing multi-year grants continue, subject to satisfactory reporting from the prior period. If you have questions about your specific agreement, please contact the Grants Team.
Begin planning early, build realistic and activity-based budgets, and make sure any current reporting is up to date, since disbursements depend on satisfactory reporting from the prior period. You are also welcome to contact the Grants Team at any time.
Open Call Grant Types
- Project grants: time-limited, deliverable-based funding for defined initiatives, awarded through the annual open call.
- Operating grants: annual funding for operating and program costs, awarded through the annual open call.
Operating grants terms are for one year; Project grants are time-limited and may run for up to two years. Grants that are less than $250,000 commence January 1 and end on December 31. Grants that are $250,000 or more commence April 1 and end on March 31 of the following year.
Anchor designation is not part of the regular application process. It is considered through a staff-led criteria review and approved by the Board. The Grants Team can advise whether a review is appropriate and explain the stream currently available to your organization.
Yes. An organization may hold or apply for funding in more than one stream. For example, an organization may apply for project funding for a specific initiative in addition to its operating support. Applying in one stream does not affect standing in another.
Eligibility
No. Grant-seeking organizations do not need to be registered charities. Applicants must be incorporated as a non-profit entity, be an Indigenous Nation or Council.
A project can benefit either a single community or several. What matters is that the proposed project benefits people in Alberta.
Yes. Organizations based outside Alberta can apply for a grant if the proposed project will benefit the people of Alberta, and the program or project has the support of the local law foundation in your home province.
The Foundation takes an expansive view of its mandated funding areas, and eligible proposals may address a wide range of issues within the legal context. To speak with someone about your idea, contact the Grants Team at grants@albertalawfoundation.org.
Eligible Activities and Expenses
There is no fixed maximum. All requests must be proportionate to, and justified by, the quantitative and qualitative impact of the proposed services to Albertans. The amount you request may affect the process and timing that apply to your grant, including the review described above for grants of $250,000 or more.
Yes. Foundation funding may be used to cover costs related to a program or project that involves activities related to the law or the justice system. The Foundation will not fund activities that have the provision of social services as the primary object.
These may include initiatives responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action relevant to the Foundation’s mandate; research to reform the laws and the administration of justice affecting Indigenous people; public legal education and information designed for or directed toward Indigenous audiences; or direct legal advice and support services provided for Indigenous individuals.
These include programs in which legal information and assistance is provided by students from a Faculty of Law at a university in Alberta, under the supervision of a licensed Alberta lawyer.
These include, but are not limited to, programs providing legal advice, information, and referral offered by community legal clinics, and court or community-based support programs that provide one-on-one information and support regarding court processes and procedures, forms completion, and administrative claims and processes.
Foundation grants may cover the direct costs of a program or project, as well as a reasonable portion of the related administration or overhead costs. This may include a portion of costs such as supervision, rent or premises, financial oversight and audit, insurance, IT, and evaluation. There must be a supportable rationale for the way administration and overhead costs are allocated to a funded program or project.
The Foundation will not provide funding for the purchase of real estate. Funding may be used for the purchase or lease of a vehicle, for example, only if the use of the vehicle is integral to the delivery of a funded program or project.
A complete list of activities the Foundation does not fund is set out in the Foundation’s Funding Policies and Guidelines.
The Foundation funds existing programming, as well as new programs and projects.
The Approved Legal Services Provider (ALSP) program is managed through the Law Society of Alberta to improve access to legal services in the province. It creates a clear process for established and new pro bono organizations to provide their legal services to the public. If your programming includes plans to provide legal advice, whether by hiring staff or engaging volunteer lawyers, the Foundation requires that you hold ALSP status. More information is available from the Law Society of Alberta.
Still have questions?
The Grants Team is glad to talk through your questions about eligibility, the streams, or the application process. You can reach us at grants@albertalawfoundation.org.
