In 1983, the National Association of Women and the Law Charitable Trust for Research and Education (NAWL Trust) was established to complement NAWL’s advocacy work. A registered charity, the NAWL Trust’s mandate includes undertakingresearch and education on legal issues concerning all aspects of the social, economic and political life of Canadian women. It assists in the protection of women’s civil rights and liberties by charitable means, as well as in the relief of poverty. Donations to the NAWL Trust are used for charitable activities, including those delivered by NAWL for the NAWL Trust.

Some past activities funded by donations to the NAWL Trust include, but are not limited to:

• Creating a bilingual, free, online course — Feminist Law Reform 101.The course provides practical, accessible, and engaging tools for participants who wish to develop or improve skills to assist in feminist law reform;
• Hosting an annual essay contest for law students on topics of interest relating to feminist research, education, and law reform;
• Providing grants to researchers working on legal issues that affect women in Canada. Research topics included: customary law and women’s rights, intimate violence and fundamental human rights, temporary labour migration to Canada, and child protection; and,
• Developing an alternative law school orientation guide for law students. The guide includes excerpts of writing from 28 legal feminist scholars and activists.

Historically NAWL’s operations and work have been supported by: public funding primarily from the federal government, membership fees, and funds received from foundations, individuals, and other sources from time to time. At the request of the NAWL Trust, NAWL also delivers activities funded by charitable donations made to the Trust.