Aims/priorities: LEF is working to create new connections between the law and communities facing injustice with a focus on using the law to promote human rights and tackle inequality in the UK.
The funding is aimed at organisations that are accountable to their communities and committed to using the law to influence wider change
Organisations should be using the law to address systemic injustice and drive transparency and accountability in public bodies and decision makers. This could include, but is not limited to, judicial review, influencing legislation, strategic litigation, and supporting legal inquiries.
There is particular interest in organisations which take a longer-term strategic approach, working with communities, networks and policymakers to help to shape the law in local, regional, devolved or national government.
Approaches that promote solidarity between different groups of people facing injustice, rather than division are viewed favourably. The funder does not want to advance the rights of one group of people at the expense of another, or fund work which may deepen existing divides or harm.
Who can apply? Priority will be given to small and medium-sized organisations (usually under £2 million annual income) which may struggle to find funding elsewhere.
To be eligible, organisations need to:
- Being doing charitable work within the UK.
- Have some structure, such as a constitution that sets out how decisions are made.
- Have access to a bank account with two signatories.
- Have at least three trustees, company directors or partners.
- Be regularly consulting with their communities about their priorities and sharing their power to help communities.
- Be building power across their communities by identifying those who are not usually heard and adapting their work to address this.
Grant amount: Flexible grants of between £50,000 and £100,000 per year for over three to five years are available.
The funder will not normally fund more than 35% of an organisation's annual income.
Access support of up to £500 is available for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people to help with applying .
Application process: The funding criteria, programme information and the short eligibility quiz are available on LEF's website.
If after taking the eligibility quiz, applicants would like to speak with the grants team, they may book a call through the LEF application portal, though this is not required.
Applications can be made at any time. There is a two-stage application process.
Decisions on grants under £50,000 are made four times a year and larger grants twice a year.
Contact LEF for further information through the contact form on the LEF website.
Deadline: Thursday, 17 September 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be notified by the end of October with decisions at the end of December 2026.
Contact information: Tel: 02030 055 697, Email: secretary@lef.org.uk
Website: LEF | Strengthening Justice fund