Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions
Search our FAQ for information about eligibility, applications, scholarships and grants, privacy, supporting the Foundation, and our charitable registration status.
Eligibility
Who is eligible to apply for Foundation support?
Eligibility varies by program. Generally, applicants must be affected by the criminal justice system (personally, as a family member, or as a survivor or victim of crime), be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person, and demonstrate that their education has been materially affected. Use the eligibility checker on the Apply page for preliminary guidance.
Eligibility
Can a family member apply, or only the person directly involved?
Yes. The Family Opportunity Scholarship is specifically for family members whose education has been materially affected by another person's involvement with the justice system.
Eligibility
Do survivors or victims of crime qualify for support?
Yes. Being impacted by the justice system includes people who have had a crime committed against them. Survivors and victims of crime qualify for our scholarships and grants on the same basis as any other eligible applicant, provided their education has been materially affected.
Applications
When do applications open?
Applications are not yet open. The Foundation is currently establishing its programs and charitable registration framework. Join our mailing list to be notified when applications launch.
Applications
Can I save a draft and return later?
Yes. Once you create a secure applicant account, you can start an application, save a draft, and return to complete and submit it at any time before the deadline.
Applications
What is the application status timeline?
After submission, applications move through: Submitted → Under Review → (Additional Information Requested, if needed) → Final Review → Awarded or Not Selected. You can track status in your applicant dashboard.
Scholarships
How much are scholarships worth?
Award amounts will be finalized and published before each application cycle opens.
Grants
What can grants be used for?
Eligible expenses typically include tuition and fees, required learning materials, transportation, and childcare required to attend study. Specifics are outlined in each program's application guide.
Required documents
What documents will I need?
Common requirements include proof of enrollment or admission, a personal statement, references, and documentation of justice-system impact as outlined in the application guide.
Selection process
How are applications assessed?
Applications are assessed against a published scoring rubric by trained reviewers, followed by final review and a decision by the program committee. Reviewers complete conflict-of-interest and confidentiality declarations before accessing applications.
Privacy
Will my justice-system history be made public?
No. Application information is kept private and is never publicly disclosed. Only information necessary to assess eligibility is requested. See our Application Privacy Notice for details.
Payments
How are awards paid?
Award disbursement details will be published with each program cycle. Awards are typically paid to the educational institution or toward documented eligible expenses.
Supporting the Foundation
Can I support the Foundation financially?
Yes. You can make a one-time or monthly contribution, or explore corporate sponsorship, major gifts and fundraising partnerships on our Support Our Work page.
Charitable registration status
Is the Foundation a registered charity?
The Harvey Foundation for Justice & Opportunity is currently a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization. It is not yet a registered charity and cannot issue official charitable donation receipts at this time. We are working toward charitable registration.