Finance Management Policy
We uphold the highest standards of financial accountability.
To request a copy of our Finance Management Policy, please contact us at info@reallifeinstitute.org
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The Real-Life Research Institute was born out of a deep concern for the future of young people, particularly those under 40 and from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Like us, many were making poor financial decisions due to a lack of practical, “real-life” education. We recognized that formal education often fails to prepare youth for the complex challenges of adulthood, especially in areas such as financial literacy, healthy relationships, and civic engagement. In response, we brought together like-minded individuals who shared these concerns and were eager to make a difference. With limited resources, we initially self-funded small initiatives and financial literacy orientations, helping young adults become familiar with financial planning and settlement options. These efforts began within our own neighborhoods and families, particularly in Nunavut and Ottawa. Over time, our activities grew into a series of community actions that eventually blossomed into a movement. These activities laid the foundation for what is now called Real Life Research Institute, registered as a nonprofit in Nunavut and federally.
Our goal is to equip individuals with essential life skills, support inclusive research, and deliver practical, lifesaving humanitarian aid across Nunavut, the Arctic, Indigenous communities, and the Global South. Our vision is to create a more equitable and resilient world where no one is left behind. Our mission is to empower individuals with real-life skills, advance inclusive research, and support vulnerable communities.
Guided by the IQ principles and our motto, “Innovating Truth. Impacting Lives,” and our slogan, “Where Discovery Meets Real-World Change,” we offer training in five literacy clusters (financial, digital, health, environmental, and cultural literacies). Our research addresses urgent global challenges, including climate change, inequality, peacebuilding, and the emerging geopolitical challenges in the Arctic. Through local networks in conflict-affected and disaster-prone countries, we are also providing humanitarian support and scholarships to those in need. We are committed to fostering a culture of safety, inclusion, and dignity, with strong safeguarding and gender-based violence prevention policies embedded in all our work.
We were thrilled to receive our first public grant from the Government of Nunavut through the Department of Community Services – Sport and Recreation Division to support the Iqaluit Love & Unity Run. This initiative reflects our commitment to promoting health, inclusivity, and cultural pride by uniting people from diverse backgrounds through sport and celebration.
At Real Life Research Institute, we are turning knowledge into action and investing in the potential of youth and communities who have long been left behind. As we say here, at real life, real life begins!
Welcome Aboard!
Unlike traditional charities, we focus exclusively on preparing individuals under 40 to face life’s challenges head-on, ensuring a secure, independent future before they reach this milestone.
Meet the passionate individuals driving our mission forward with dedication, creativity, and purpose.
Honorary Board Chair
Research and Data Analyst Fellow
Senior Climate Security Advisor
Gender and Safeguarding Associate
Social Sciences and Policy Advisor
Research Associate
Global Health & Innovation Advisor
Indigenous Engagement Advisor
Mental Health & Harm Reduction Associate
Youth Empowerment & Sustainable Development Advisor
At Real Life Research Institute, our policies put community first and reflect the values we live by.
We uphold the highest standards of financial accountability.
To request a copy of our Finance Management Policy, please contact us at info@reallifeinstitute.org
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The RLRI Anti-Racism Policy affirms our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment free from racism in all its forms. Guided by Canadian legislation and national strategies, the policy outlines definitions, staff rights and responsibilities, reporting mechanisms, and preventive measures to ensure equity and cultural safety across all RLRI activities
Our screening and background check policy helps us get insight into candidates’ backgrounds to ensure we hire reliable employees, verify candidates’ information for truth and accuracy, and screen candidates convicted of serious criminal behavior.
Real Life Research Institute is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all its programs and safeguarding procedures.
At Real Life Research Institute, we acknowledge that fraud, bribery, and corruption can weaken trust with our stakeholders, including the communities we interact with, our donors, and program participants. Hence, we hold a zero-tolerance approach to fraud, bribery, and corruption. We shall take every measure possible to prevent, find, and respond to fraud, bribery, and corruption across our networks.
Real Life Research Institute is committed to creating a safe, flexible, and respectful work environment for everyone. All Real Life Research Institute representatives are expected to always treat others with dignity, courtesy, and respect. We will not tolerate bullying, harassment, discrimination, or exploitation.
Real Life Research Institute has a zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH).
Real Life Research Institute is committed to empowering individuals around the world. We are committed to ensuring that during our work, all individuals will be treated with respect and dignity and protected from all forms of harm, including sexual violence.
We Share What We Learn through Publications
This article explores the critical role of women in peacebuilding processes and how inclusive dialogue leads to sustainable peace.
Discover essential investment strategies for building long-term wealth before the age of 40. A guide by Ernest Lequimboh focused on smart financial planning.
