Applications open for $250,000 justice grant

Last published on 29 Nov 2021 

The hunt is on for the next big idea to break down access barriers in the legal system with applications for the NSW Government’s $250,000 Access to Justice Innovation Fund (AJIF) opening today.

Attorney General Mark Speakman urged lawyers, educators, community groups, tech heads and social entrepreneurs across the state to apply for round three of the grants program by 11 February 2022.

“We’re calling for inventive proposals that improve the way legal problems are resolved, or tech-savvy solutions that modernise the delivery of legal services,” Mr Speakman said.

“Priority will be given to initiatives that help regional communities, Indigenous Australians or people experiencing hardship to navigate the justice system.”

Grants of between $50,000 and $250,000 will be awarded to ideas for low cost, high impact projects targeting socially and economically disadvantaged communities.

In round two of the AJIF, $174,000 was awarded to not-for-profit organisation Justice Connect to build a language processing model to help an estimated 50,000 people across NSW who lack the legal literacy they may need when searching for resources and services online.

And the University of Sydney was awarded $76,000 to develop a fairer assessment model for parents with a cognitive disability involved in care proceedings before the Children’s Court.

Grant entrants must be a non-government organisation, not-for-profit organisation, or a business that provides services to people living in NSW. Private individuals wishing to apply may only do so through partnership with an organisational entity.

The Government has pledged $1 million over four years to the AJIF.

To apply online, visit Access to Justice Innovation Fund. 

For more information on the application process, email: accesstojusticegrants@justice.nsw.gov.au

Download Media Release: Applications open for $250,000 justice grant (PDF , 144.5 KB)