Overview 

CJAO invites student organizations to apply for funding to plan and host a student-led event exploring a criminal justice issue that matters to their campus or broader community. 


Eligible applicants must: 

  • Be a recognized student organization, association, club, society, or student-led group at a post-secondary institution in Ontario. 
  • Events must take place in Ontario or primarily serve Ontario-based audiences. Hybrid events are permitted. 
  • Joint proposals from two or more student organizations are welcome. One organization must be identified as the lead applicant and will serve as the primary contact responsible for communications, funding administration, and reporting requirements. 
  • Student organizations may submit only one proposal as a lead applicant but may participate as a partner in multiple proposals. 

We welcome creative, thoughtful and community-driven proposals that encourage learning and broader community engagement. 


Funding 

CJAO will provide up to $2,500 to support the selected event. Funding may be used for approved event-related expenses, subject to the terms confirmed with the selected organization. 


Funding may not be used for: 

  • Alcoholic beverages 
  • Political campaigning or partisan activities 
  • Retroactive expenses incurred prior to funding approval 
  • Honoraria or expenses not directly related to the event without prior approval from CJAO 

What We're Looking For 


Your proposed event should: 

  • Address a timely criminal justice issue that matters to your campus or community and encourage meaningful discussion, awareness, or learning. 
  • Align with CJAO’s mandate and principles 
  • Aim to reach approximately 100 people* (subject to  the consideration for smaller institutions below) 
  • Funded event must take place on or before March 31, 2027. 


We welcome proposals that: 

  • Use creative approaches to engage students or the broader public in criminal justice issues 
  • Use a format suited to the topic and audience, such as panel discussions, lectures, film screenings, art installations, community forums, simulations, and other formats 
  • Involve relevant student clubs, associations or community partners  
  • Encourage discussion beyond the event itself 
  • Build awareness of CJAO and encourage future involvement and membership. 


*Reach Considerations for Smaller Institutions 

We recognize that institutions vary in size and capacity, and smaller institutions are encouraged to apply.  If you anticipate fewer than 100 attendees, please explain how your event will extend its reach beyond your organization's usual audience. 


How to Apply 

Submit your proposal as a PDF to info@cjao.ca by November 6, 2026.  

There is no minimum or maximum length, but proposals should be concise and include all information below. 


Required proposal information 

  1. Your organization — Briefly describe your student organization, its mandate and the community or audience it serves 
  2. The issue — Identify the criminal justice issue your event will explore and explain why it matters to your campus or community 
  3. Event concept — Describe the proposed format, activities, intended audience and participant experience 
  4. CJAO alignment — Explain how your event aligns with CJAO’s mandate and principles 
  5. Reach plan — Explain how you will attract and engage an audience of approximately 100 people. If your institution is smaller, describe how the event will extend its reach beyond your organization’s usual audience. 
  6. Promotion plan — Describe how you will promote the event to students, partners and the broader community. 
  7. Accessibility — Describe how you will make the event accessible and inclusive for participants. 
  8. Budget — Provide an itemized estimate showing how CJAO funding would be used. 
  9. Timeline — Identify key planning milestones and confirm an event date no later than March 31, 2027. 


Proposal Due Date: November 6, 2026.  
Applicant Notification 
Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the outcome of their proposal by November 20, 2026. 

 

Event Timeline Requirements 
Funded events must take place on or before March 31, 2027. Recipients may be asked to submit a brief summary of outcomes and attendance following the event. 

 

Selection Criteria 

Proposals will be assessed based on: 


  • Alignment with CJAO's mandate and principles. 
  • Relevance and significance of the proposed criminal justice issue. 
  • Quality and feasibility of the event concept. 
  • Potential reach and community impact. 
  • Strength of the promotion and engagement strategy. 
  • Collaboration with student organizations and/or community partners. 
  • Demonstrated value for money and appropriate use of funding.