Laidlaw Foundation

Who we are

Laidlaw Foundation supports young people and communities across Ontario who are dismantling systemic barriers in education, justice, child welfare, and environmental systems. We invest in youth leadership, community knowledge, and collective action that build lasting change.

Our role is to resource those most affected by systems to lead the work of transformation. We listen, learn, and evolve alongside our partners to advance reconciliation, equity, and accountability in everything we do.

What We Do

Laidlaw Foundation works across four interconnected areas that together create the conditions for lasting systems change.

Laidlaw Foundation invests not only through grants but also through capital that strengthens communities and advances our mission.

Each year, Laidlaw Foundation selects one or two young Black, Indigenous, and/or racialized leaders who are actively addressing issues impacting youth in the areas of education, child welfare, criminal justice and/or environmental justice.

Our vision

A just and inclusive society where youth leadership drives the transformation of systems and communities thrive through equity and self-determination.

How We Work

We fund youth-led and Indigenous-led initiatives, convene partners across sectors, and share learning to strengthen equity in philanthropy. Our approach is trust-based and relationship-centred.

We believe in:

  • Long-term investment in youth and community leadership

  • Reconciliation as ongoing practice and accountability

  • Philanthropy that redistributes power and resources

  • Learning and adaptation guided by community experience