Our impact
Learn more about the impact we have on the communities most in need
Every year, we distribute millions of pounds to advice organisations working in communities where legal help is hardest to reach. We’ve taken some figures from our recent activity, which we update on a six monthly basis. Here’s what that support achieves.
The reach of our funding
£
grants in progress
organisations
grants
Our grants support organisations to deliver advice in the ways that work for their communities, whether that’s face-to-face, over the phone, or online.
Funding by area of law
£
supporting organisations providing housing and homelessness advice
£
supporting organisations providing debt advice
£
supporting organisations providing employment and work advice
£
supporting organisations providing family, child, and domestic abuse advice
The difference advice makes
When people can access legal advice early, it changes outcomes and delivers tangible financial benefits. Our funded partners help clients stay in their homes, keep their jobs, and resolve debt problems before they spiral.
Who we help
people supported
issues addressed
These aren’t just numbers, they’re people facing serious challenges who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford legal help.
The people who benefit from our funding face multiple barriers. Many are experiencing poverty, have disabilities, or come from communities where access to legal advice has historically been low.
users experiencing poverty
users with a disability
users from a racial or ethnic minority
Sami*, a single parent with two children, faced a catastrophic financial crisis when her universal credit was stopped. The crisis rapidly escalated as rent arrears accumulated, leading to Sami and her children receiving an eviction notice and facing homelessness. Sami was at her wits end having black thoughts. Desperate for help, Sami went to Citizens Advice Solent East (CASE). Thanks to their work Sami received £23,700 back payments and restoration of a one-year Universal Credit award and her two children have safe, sustainable housing. Sami now has the resources she needs to provide for her family while she finds work.
Beyond grant making
Our impact isn’t just about the grants we distribute. We’re building a stronger sector through:
Capacity building: We deliver Funder Plus support to frontline advice providers, helping them strengthen their services and reach more people.
Collaboration: Through the Social Justice Funders Group, we bring together funders to align resources and share learning.
Evidence generation: We use data and insights from our grants and the wider sector to identify advice deserts, demonstrate the economic and social impact of advice, and direct future funding to where it’s needed most. This evidence-based approach keeps our administrative costs low and our impact high.
Informing policy: We share insights from our work with policymakers to inform funding decisions and justice system reform. When we demonstrate what works, we help shape better approaches across the sector.
You can read more about our work through our annual impact reports.
Help us create change
Demand for free legal advice continues to grow. The cost-of-living crisis, cuts to legal aid, and lack of sustainable funding mean more people need help while fewer services are available to provide it.
