The Alberta Law Foundation funds eligible organizations and programs within the justice sector for the benefit of Albertans.
The Alberta Law Foundation has moved to a single annual grant cycle. The portal is open on September 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted before the portal closes at 11:59 p.m MDT, September 30, 2026.
Please review the Funding Policies & Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions.
Grant Types Available Through the Open Call
Project Grants
Project Grants support time-limited initiatives with defined activities, deliverables, and outcomes. These grants are intended for specific projects that advance access to justice, legal knowledge, law reform, legal research, or related services for Albertans.
There is no maximum budget; however, all requests must be proportionate to, and justified by, the anticipated impact of the proposed work.
The grant term is for up to two years.
Operating Grants
Operating Grants provide funding to support eligible organizations with operating and program costs. This funding is intended to help organizations deliver programs and services that align with at least one of the Foundation’s mandated objects and benefit Albertans.
There is no maximum budget; however, all requests must be proportionate to, and justified by, the anticipated impact of the proposed work.
The grant term is for one year.
Key Dates
Applications are received during the annual grant call and reviewed together through a consistent process.
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| July | The Foundation publishes information about the upcoming open call, including application requirements, eligibility information and key dates. |
| September 1–30 | Application window is open. Applications must be submitted within this window to be considered. |
| October | Staff review applications and may contact applicants for clarification. |
| November | ALF Board makes funding decisions for all streams at a single meeting. Applicants are notified of outcomes afterward. |
| January 1 | Grants under $250,000 are disbursed once grant agreements are signed. Grant term is January 1 to December 31. |
| April 1 | Grants of $250,000 or more are disbursed, following a review required under provincial legislation, and grant agreements are signed. Grant term is April 1 to March 31 of the following year. |
Why two disbursement dates? Grant size affects timing. Grants of $250,000 or more involve an additional review by the Government of Alberta that is required under legislation, which is why larger grants are disbursed on April 1 rather than January 1.
What makes a strong application
A strong application gives ALF a clear, evidence-informed account of:
- the need, barrier, or opportunity the funded work will address;
- the program, service, or project ALF is being asked to fund;
- the benefit the work is expected to create or sustain for Albertans;
- how the proposed activities and resources are expected to produce that benefit;
- how progress and results will be measured; and
- why the proposed budget and ALF’s investment are reasonable and necessary.
For requests that sustain existing work: Highlight the value and impact this funding will help preserve or continue — the benefits, services, or momentum it protects going forward.
For research, technology, capacity-building, or other system-focused requests: Explain how the investment will strengthen services, expand capacity, or improve outcomes for Albertans.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
- non-profit organizations;
- Indigenous communities and organizations;
Grant-seeking organizations based outside Alberta must demonstrate substantial connections within the province. Additionally, their proposed programs or research projects must directly benefit Albertans.
Grant-seekers do not need to be registered charities. Organizations also do not need to identify as specifically law-focused, as long as the proposed work relates to Canadian law, Indigenous law, access to justice, legal information, legal services, law reform, or legal research.
Applicants must be current on any previous reporting obligations to the Foundation.
The Foundation uses different funding arrangements to support a strong and effective justice sector in Alberta.
In addition to Project and Operating Grants available through the annual open call, the Foundation has a limited Anchor funding arrangement for specific organizations. Anchor funding is considered through a separate internal review and Board approval, and is not available through the open call.
Each funding stream serves a different purpose. Organizations in every Foundation funding stream are valued partners and make important contributions to Alberta’s justice sector.
Eligible Use of Funds
Organizations and programs that are eligible for funding must align with at least one of the Foundation’s mandated objects.
Please review the Foundation’s Funding Policies and Guidelines for more information about eligibility, activities the Foundation does not fund, general grant requirements, and evaluation criteria.
Consideration will be given to projects and programs that:
All requests must be proportionate to and justified by the quantitative and qualitative impact of the proposed services to Albertans.
Application Evaluation and Assessment
Applications are evaluated in accordance with the Foundation’s Funding Policies and Guidelines. Applicants should review these policies before submitting an inquiry to understand the Foundation’s eligibility requirements, general grant criteria, evaluation considerations, and activities or expenses that are not eligible for funding.
Questions Before Applying
Applicants are encouraged to review the Foundation’s FAQs and Funding Policies and Guidelines prior to September 1st.
