Deadline: 31-May-25
The Alberta Law Foundation (the Foundation) has established a Youth Legal Initiatives Fund (the Fund) to support initiatives that respond to existing and emerging legal issues facing youth and young people in Alberta.
Grant Categories
- Needs Assessments & Program Design Projects:
- The maximum amount available for each project is $50,000. Organizations may bring multiple projects; however, each must meet a distinct need.
- Grant funding is intended to support communities and organizations to undertake:
- Needs assessment to further determine the legal needs of youth in communities across Alberta, and/or
- Program design and implementation projects to determine how best to respond to an identified legal need amongst youth in Alberta.
- Service Delivery and Research Projects:
- The maximum amount available for each program or research project is $250,000 per year or a total of $750,000 over three years.
- Grant funding is intended to support:
- Projects that expand the capacity of existing legal service offerings to youth;
- Projects that have completed a successful pilot or programs currently providing legal services to youth in Alberta;
- Pilot projects emerging from a needs assessment and/or program design project; and
- Projects that undertake legal research for the purpose of policy reform and/or advocacy on youth-related issues.
- The Foundation may direct applicants to apply to the Youth Legal Initiatives – Needs Assessment and Program Design Fund first if its felt it will be a benefit to the proposed program or research project.
Outcomes
- The Foundation has established specific outcomes for the Youth Legal Initiatives Fund as identified through community consultation.
- Proposed projects must align with at least one of the key outcomes listed below.
- Policy Influence
- Engagement in policy discussions and reforms to address systemic issues affecting youth and young people, leading to legislative changes that benefit young individuals.
- Equitable Research
- Ensure equitable access to the justice system for youth and young people through legal research and law reform.
- Preventative Measures
- Implementation of legal programs that equip youth and young people with the knowledge and skills to prevent legal issues before they escalate.
- Improved Legal Literacy & Education
- Increased understanding among youth and young people about legal options, processes, terminology, and their rights within the legal system.
- Reduced Legal Vulnerability
- Decrease in the number of youth and young individuals facing legal issues without proper guidance or representation.
- Legal Empowerment & Self-Advocacy
- Youth feel empowered to advocate for themselves and take action when faced with a legal issue.
- Positive Legal Outcomes
- Increased success rates in legal cases involving youth and young people, leading to better outcomes in court proceedings.
- Reduced Recidivism
- Lower rates of youth and young individuals involvement in repeat legal issues due to early intervention and guidance.
- Policy Influence
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible grant-seekers for the Youth Legal Initiatives Fund must be any of:
- Non-profits
- 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 young Albertans.
- Grant-seekers do not need to be registered charities. Grant-seekers do not need to identify as specifically law-focused organizations as long as the proposed work relates to Canadian law or Indigenous law.
- Projects targeting youth and young individuals aged 26 and under will be considered.
For more information, visit Alberta Law Foundation.