Access to Justice Foundation

The foundation supports civil and family law interventions, including housing advice to prevent homelessness, welfare benefits support for disabled people and low-income households, debt counselling, employment law assistance for ethnic minorities and migrants, and family matters such as domestic abuse recovery through protective orders and court navigation. Funded organisations include Law Centres, Citizens Advice bureaux, and independent advice agencies. Work takes place across England, Wales, and Scotland, with a focus on regions such as South East England and London.

Registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies, community benefit societies, and unincorporated associations can apply. Organisations must be registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, OSCR in Scotland, or the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. The foundation prioritises groups serving people who cannot afford legal advice, including low-income households, disabled individuals, domestic abuse survivors, ethnic minorities, and migrants.

The foundation does not fund criminal law, legal aid work directly (though it may fund infrastructure), non-legal services, medical treatments, emotional or practical support, or short-term projects lacking evidence of impact. Activities unrelated to civil or family legal support are also excluded.

The foundation primarily offers unrestricted, multi-year funding, favouring strategic investments that build capacity and sustainability. It welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Grants are often core cost focused, enabling flexible, person-centred service delivery.