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General Information
The Alberta Law Foundation was established
under the Legal Profession Act, effective April 1, 1973. The
Foundation is the recipient of the interest which banks, credit
unions, trust companies, and treasury branches must pay on clients'
funds held in lawyers' general trust accounts. This does not
include interest paid on a specific trust investment held for
an individual client. The interest is made available by the
Foundation to organizations engaged in activities which are
considered to be in keeping with the Foundation's objects.
OBJECTS
The objects of the Foundation are:
- (i) conducting research into and recommending reform of
law and the administration of justice;
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- (ii) establishing, maintaining, and operating law libraries;
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iii) contributing to the legal education and knowledge
of the people of Alberta and providing programs and
facilities for those purposes;
(iv) providing assistance to native people's legal
programs, student legal aid programs, and programs of
like nature;
- (v) contributing to the costs incurred by the Legal Aid
Society of Alberta to administer a plan to provide legal
aid. (This contribution has been legislated to be 25% of
the revenue from general trust accounts).
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Foundation's funds are administered by a Board of Directors
consisting of seven members; three are appointed by the Alberta
Minister of Justice, two by the Benchers of the Law Society
of Alberta, and two others by the other Directors. The Directors
meet regularly to decide on grant applications and policy
matters with respect to the general administration of the
Foundation's affairs, including the collection and investment
of funds. These investments are governed by Section 94 of
the Insurance Act. However, the policy of the Foundation is
to restrict investments to securities other than equities.
FUNDING GUIDELINES
Projects must fall within the stated objects of the Alberta
Law Foundation as interpreted by the Foundation's Board
of
Directors. Grants may be of any size but all are subject
to the availability of funds. In general, grants will not
be
made to an individual or for the support of a commercial
venture. Funds are not available for fellowships,
sabbatical
leave support, or endowments. Major publications are expected
to be self-supporting.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Contact the Foundation office to discuss your proposal and
the appropriate application process. Assistance with the preparation
of your application is available from the Executive Director.
Remember, however, that the staff can only offer advice and
that it is the Board of Directors who will make the decision
on the funding of your project.
Send one signed original and seven double-sided copies of
your submission to the office of the Foundation at least three
weeks prior to the meeting of the Board of Directors at which
it will be considered. The Board meets regularly throughout
the year and the scheduled meeting dates can be obtained through
the office.
OBLIGATIONS OF GRANT RECIPIENTS
An organization which receives a grant must ensure that
the work is carried out in accordance with the submission.
Any major departure from the objectives, procedures, or budget
of the project must be approved by the Board of Directors
of the Alberta Law Foundation. Progress reports and financial
statements must be submitted at agreed intervals. The final
report should be accompanied by a refund of any unspent funds,
together with an independent auditor's report (unless the
Foundation has agreed that such is not required).
July 2007 |
