About the Foundation
An institution built on dignity, education and opportunity
The Harvey Foundation for Justice & Opportunity was established to help interrupt the long-term consequences of justice-system involvement through sustained investment in education.
Our Story
Why we exist
Justice-system involvement can affect not only the individuals directly involved — including survivors and victims of crime — but their families, through financial instability, stigma, interrupted education and lost opportunities that can persist across generations.
The Foundation was established to help interrupt those consequences through investment in education and opportunity, treating every applicant with respect rather than judgment.
Our Mission
What we do
To reduce educational and economic barriers for people and families materially affected by involvement with the criminal justice system, through scholarships, grants and partnerships that open pathways to learning and stability.
Our Vision
Where we are going
A Canada in which a person's justice-system history does not permanently determine their educational or economic future — and where families affected by that system have genuine access to opportunity.
Our Belief
More Than Our Circumstances.
At The Harvey Foundation for Justice & Opportunity, we believe that no individual should be defined solely by their experiences, circumstances, or involvement with the criminal justice system.
We recognize that survivors of violence, justice-involved individuals, and families affected by crime may encounter barriers that extend far beyond their immediate experiences.
Our work is grounded in the belief that education can create meaningful pathways to stability, independence, and opportunity.
"We believe that every individual is more than the circumstances they have experienced. Through education, opportunity, and meaningful support, we work to create pathways toward futures defined by possibility rather than adversity."
Why This Work Matters
The ripple effects reach families and futures
The effects of justice-system involvement rarely end with one person. Lost household income, relocation, stigma and the emotional toll of separation can interrupt a child's schooling, a partner's career and a family's long-term stability.
Our approach recognizes these ripple effects. Several of our programs are designed specifically to support family members whose education and opportunity have been diminished by circumstances they did not create.
Read the Founder's storyWho We Support
Different experiences. A shared need for opportunity.
The Harvey Foundation supports people whose educational opportunities have been materially affected by crime or the criminal justice system. We recognize two pathways into our work, and we treat both with equal dignity and respect.
Survivors of Crime
Individuals whose education, financial stability or opportunities have been disrupted by victimization.
Justice-Impacted Individuals & Families
Individuals who have experienced involvement with the criminal justice system, as well as eligible family members whose educational opportunities have been materially affected.
Different experiences. A shared need for opportunity.
Our programs are designed so that no group is portrayed as more deserving than another. Eligibility is based on how a person's education has been affected — not on the specific circumstances that caused it.
Explore our programsOur Approach
Respectful, accountable and independent
Respectful
Applicants are treated with dignity. We do not require or publish justice-system histories beyond what is necessary to assess eligibility.
Accountable
We publish governance, policies and impact reporting, and operate with clear financial and operational oversight.
Independent
The Foundation is an independent institution, governed by its Board and accountable to the communities it serves.
Our Values
The principles that guide our work
Our Partners
Working alongside trusted organizations
The Foundation's impact is strengthened through partnerships with community, educational and corporate organizations that share our commitment to educational opportunity. Partner details will be featured here as these relationships are confirmed.
Mhaven
Mental Health Partner
Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
Mental Health Partner
To be announced
To be announced