Pathways to Justice: Legal Support Fund

Avalon’s Pathways to Justice: Legal Support Fund is a one-time financial support for survivors of sexualized violence across Nova Scotia as they navigate their unique pathway to justice. This fund was created in response to what survivors across Nova Scotia have shared: that navigating legal systems after sexualized violence can be overwhelming, costly, and often inaccessible. The fund is a one-time grant of $500 to help to address and lessen some of the costs that create barriers to accessing justice.

We chose the name Pathways to Justice to honour the many ways survivors seek justice and healing. As such, survivors can use the fund towards whatever pathway to justice feels most appropriate for them.

Some examples of what the fund can be put towards include:

  • Legal fees and consultations
  • Paying for a restorative justice process
  • Indigenous healing circles or paying honorarium to an Elder
  • Supporting a legal process that is happening due to the impact of sexual violence, such as family court, civil proceedings, or other legal matters
  • Other culturally grounded or alternative pathways to healing and justice

This fund is open to survivors across Nova Scotia of all genders, who are 18 years of age or older.

The fund will be launched for the first time in November 2025, and applications will be accepted until January 25, 2026. Funds will be distributed to successful applicants by February 2026.

Moving forward we will be accepting applications twice a year: once in the  Spring , and once in the Fall .

Learn more about the fund and how to apply below.

Survivors of all genders are invited to apply. Applicants must:

  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Have their own bank account, or be willing to open one during the application process
  • Currently reside in Nova Scotia, or have fled Nova Scotia within the last 12 months
  • Not have received this fund within the past 5 years

All applications will be reviewed to ensure that they meet the eligibility guidelines, and to ensure all required questions have been answered. All applications will be anonymized and placed into a draw for selection. Applications will be prioritized for structurally marginalized individuals and people living in rural and remote areas.

The number of successful recipients is dependent on available funds.

All applicants will be contacted via their preferred method of communication about the status of their application. Applicants who are not successful are invited to apply again for the next fund cycle.

Successful applicants will be asked for banking details to arrange an electronic transfer of funds. We are only able to disburse funds to a bank account associated with the applicant’s name. Successful applicants should receive funds within one month of the deadline date.

Online, via Microsoft Forms

Please ensure you complete and submit the online Microsoft Form for both the main application package and the referral form.

By email, to info@avaloncentre.ca.

Applicants are welcome to scan, take a picture, or attach a digital copy of their completed application, to be e-mailed to info@avaloncentre.ca, with the subject line “PATHWAYS TO JUSTICE FUND APPLICATION – [CURRENT MONTH/ CURRENT YEAR]”

By mail, to the Avalon Office in Halifax

Letter mail should be titled “PATHWAYS TO JUSTICE FUND APPLICATION – [CURRENT MONTH/ CURRENT YEAR]”, and can be mailed to:

Unit 401-1526 Dresden Row
Halifax, NS
B3J 1G9

Over the phone, via Avalon’s main office line, at 902-422-4240.

Please leave a voice message stating that you’d like to apply for the Legal Support Fund, along with your name, and a number where we can reach you. A member of the Avalon team will return your call.

All applications require a completed referral form from a community organization. If you are not connected to a community organization in your area, Avalon is able to act as a referral for you. Please contact us by email info@avaloncentre.ca or phone 902-422-4240 to set this up.

Download the application form

Download the referral form

Applications are open now, until January 25, 2026.

Please get in touch via email at  info@avaloncentre.ca, or via Avalon’s main office line, at 902-422-4240.