Aims/priorities: Launched in June 2021, the Shoosmiths Foundation is a grant-making body working to help address societal issues, to empower sustainable change and to improve the lives of the people and the environment in the UK.
Grants are available for registered charities across the UK to deliver projects that widen access to legal and business services careers for underrepresented groups.
The Foundation offers grants in the following categories:
- Advance social mobility in the legal sector, and across the UK, in line with the Shoosmiths social mobility action plan. Focus is given to charitable organisations that share the Foundation's belief that 'talent can come from anywhere' and align their interventions with local socio-economic analysis and need.
- Advance a carbon net-zero UK.
- Advance access to justice in the UK.
A specific theme is prioritised in each funding round. The current funding round is for projects that focus on creating pathways into the legal profession, strengthening support networks and tackling barriers to opportunity.
Who can apply? National and local UK-registered charities can apply. Smaller charities are encouraged.
Applicants must:
- Be able to report measurable improvements in access to the legal profession, including the social impact of the actions taken through the delivery of the project.
- Relate to areas with lower social mobility prospects, such as the English indices of deprivation and the Scottish index of multiple deprivation.
Applicants are restricted to one application per charity.
The following are not eligible for funding:
- Individuals.
- Unrestricted funding requests.
- The direct funding of legal cases.
- Personal appeals by, or on behalf of individuals.
Grant amount: Grants of up to £50,000 are available.
Application process: Guidance notes and an application form are available here.
Deadline: Wednesday 30 September 2026, 4pm
Contact information: Email: generalenquiries@shoosmiths.com
Website: Shoosmiths | For What Matters