London Legal Support Trust

The Trust funds organisations that provide free legal advice on urgent civil issues such as homelessness, housing insecurity, debt, welfare benefits, immigration, domestic violence, and employment disputes. It prioritises front-line providers like Citizens Advice bureaux, law centres, and specialist agencies serving disadvantaged communities in London and the South East. Funding can support core costs, salaries, project delivery, and training. The Trust is particularly interested in supporting organisations that help prevent problems from escalating and ease pressure on the justice system.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups providing free legal advice in London and the South East. The Trust prioritises organisations with limited financial reserves and those directly affected by civil unrest. It also seeks geographical spread and balance across multiple areas of social welfare advice, with a particular focus on immigration and asylum advice.

The Trust does not fund non-legal advice, out-of-area beneficiaries, or unproven free services. It also excludes routine maintenance of standard equipment and intangible assets such as licenses.

The Trust offers a mix of funding styles, including unrestricted grants for core costs and salaries, as well as project-specific support. It provides multi-year funding through its Legal Advice Sustainability Scheme, which combines grants with tailored support for long-term sustainability. Some programmes require match funding. The Trust welcomes unsolicited applications.