Lived Experience Leadership Fund (LELF)

People with lived experience should have a say in FASD research, policy, and practice. However, the lack of financial support is often a barrier.

The Lived Experience Leadership Fund (LELF) is a donation-based fund to support people people with lived and living experience to participate in research activities. Individuals with FASD; parents and caregivers of someone with FASD; and/or someone who identifies as having drank during their pregnancy are eligible to apply for financial support through this fund.

Funds are provided to successful applicants to off-set the costs that are required to participate in the approved research activity. Research activities include participation in meetings and/or presenting at or attending conferences related to FASD research. Other areas not included here will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

It is anticipated that there will be more requests than funds available. In some cases, only partial funding may be available.

Are you eligible to apply?

To be eligible to apply for this funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a Canadian resident;
  • Have endorsement or a letter of support from a Canadian Research Project Lead;
  • Self-identify as someone with FASD Lived Experience (individuals with FASD; parents and caregivers of individuals with FASD; or people who identify as having used alcohol during their pregnancy);
  • Has not received a LELF funds within the last 3 years;
  • Commit to writing a blog or providing a short video on how the funding has helped them be involved in research (support will be provided).

Funds are reliant on public donations made specifically to the Lived Experience Leadership Fund.

How are the funds decided?

A committee will review the applications and make determinations. To guide the committee in its decision making, all eligible applicants will be considered. Priority will be given to:

  • Applicants that have not received this fund before.
  • Applicants that are presenting at a conference or meeting upcoming. Past events will not be considered.
  • Applicants that have not presented at a conference or meeting before.
  • Applicants that are new to self/parent advocacy.
  • Applicants from equity seeking demographics.

Consideration will be given to:

  • The impact of the research activity, with special consideration for research activities that align with the strategic priorities and pillars of CanFASD’s organizational values and priorities.
  • Individuals from CanFASD Member Jurisdictions.
  • A CanFASD member.
  • The total amount of funding requested.

Decisions of the committee are final.

Support the LELF

We need the voices of those with lived experience in discussions about research, policy, and practice. However, lack of financial support is a big barrier to participating. The costs to attend meetings, conferences, and events shouldn’t be a barrier to having your voice heard.

Invest in better research. Donate today to support the Lived Experience Leadership Fund!

Thank you for applying for the Canada FASD Research Network Lived Experience Leadership Fund. Please read the fund guidelines to make sure that you qualify before completing this application. Also note, that you will need a letter of support from a research leader with this application.

Applications are reviewed in April, June, September, and January. Notification will be sent out to applicants within two (2) weeks of a decision.

What are the dates of your activity?

Provide a detailed budget of the funds you require:

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.