Pro Bono Grants – What we've learnt so far
28 May 2026
In the first year of the Pro Bono Grants Programme, we’ve seen how vital pro bono services are for people across the UK especially those who would otherwise struggle to access legal advice.
Made possible through the generosity of donors, the legal community and income from Pro Bono Costs Orders, the Pro Bono Grants Programme has supported legal advice organisations across the UK to increase access to justice through pro bono provision which is legal advice or representation provided free of charge by legal professionals.
In Year 1, eight funded organisations supported over 3,699 people, secured more than £2.73 million in financial gains and achieved an 84% success rate in case outcomes and appeals.
Reaching the people who need it most
Improving access to justice for people with disabilities is at the heart of this programme. 52% of clients across our funding programmes report having a disability, a clear sign of the importance of targeted, accessible support. Some of the barriers to accessing legal advice include finding accessible local provision, digital exclusion, and navigating complex systems such as welfare benefits which means that accessing timely support remains a real issue for many people.
Michael has a rare, lifelong autoimmune condition, but his Personal Independence Payment application was unjustly denied. Without access to legal aid, he turned to Z2K. With support from both our caseworker and a pro bono volunteer who worked to gather extensive evidence, Michael won his Tribunal appeal and secured an additional £9,700 per year stabilising his costs, ensuring he could afford essentials, and improving his wellbeing.
Zacchaeus 2000 Trust
Keeping services open
This funding is helping services to stay open, expand, and reach more people. In some areas with little or no legal advice provision, it has made the difference between a service continuing or closing. Most of the funding has gone directly to retaining frontline staff, the people who make this work possible.
The project funding has meant that we did not have to contemplate the law clinic being an activity that we would consider ceasing if our overall funding were insufficient. This has allowed us to plan and develop the service with confidence into a new area of housing disrepair.
St. Albans District Citizens Advice Bureau
Rising to the challenge
At the same time, demand is growing faster than capacity. Organisations are grappling with staff shortages, reliance on volunteers and clients with increasingly complex needs.
But our funded partners aren’t standing still. They’re building partnerships with universities, barristers’ chambers and community organisations, and finding new ways to extend their reach including exploring how technology and AI can strengthen their services.
Year 2 looks to build on these insights as organisations continue to provide much needed pro bono services to their communities.
Want to help us make more grants like this? From securing Pro Bono Costs Orders, to participating in your local Legal Walk, the funds we raise support frontline legal advice services that help people, places, and communities most in need.
Find out how to support us to raise funds for legal advice that changes lives here: Support us | The Access to Justice Foundation
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