Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Law Foundation of Prince Edward Island

The Law Foundation of Prince Edward Island is a provincially mandated charitable foundation established in 1973 under the Legal Profession Act. It maintains a fund that is primarily supported by interest earned on lawyers’ pooled trust accounts. These resources are reinvested in the province through grants and scholarships that advance legal education, legal research and law reform, and promote legal aid and broader access to justice for Islanders.

The Foundation supports a wide range of law-related projects delivered by non-profit organizations, community groups and justice sector partners. Priority is given to initiatives that address the legal needs of seniors, newcomers, low-income residents and other vulnerable groups; create practical, accessible public legal education; or use technology to enhance legal services or the public’s understanding of the law.

The Law Foundation of PEI offers several levels of project funding. Its principal grant program includes two main intake periods each year, in April and in October, during which eligible organizations may submit complete applications using standardized forms and budget templates. In addition, a micro-grant stream is available year-round for requests under $5,000, requiring only a brief description of the project and the amount requested and submitted directly to the Executive Director.

Typical funding levels include micro grants (less than $5,000), regular grants (up to $15,000), and large grants (over $15,000), with applicants for larger amounts encouraged to consult the Foundation in advance. All proposals must be clearly law-related and fall within the Foundation’s statutory objectives. The volunteer Board of Governors reviews applications and makes final funding decisions, ensuring that supported projects contribute meaningfully to improving access to justice and legal knowledge in Prince Edward Island.

Beyond project grants, the Foundation manages endowed scholarship funds for PEI students pursuing legal studies. It supports Centennial Scholarships at the University of New Brunswick and Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law, has partnered with the Law Society of PEI to offer annual scholarships to Island law students, and has provided awards for graduates of legal administration programs offered on the Island. The Foundation also contributes larger grants to strengthen university scholarship endowments, further expanding long-term support for future legal professionals from PEI.

Over the years, funding from the Law Foundation of PEI has supported a diverse group of organizations and initiatives, including community legal information services, Indigenous justice programs, legal education for municipal and community leaders, initiatives for tenants, caregivers and migrants, human rights education in schools, and projects aimed at improving legal processes and the use of technology in the justice system. Through these strategic investments, the Foundation plays a central role in building a more informed, accessible and responsive legal system for all Islanders.