Charles Russell Speechlys Foundation

The Charles Russell Speechlys Foundation, established in February 2020 as an independent UK-registered charity by the partners of Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, champions a just world by providing grants and support to carefully selected UK charities tackling social and environmental injustices. Its mission emphasizes sound justice administration, educational opportunities for the disadvantaged, human rights advancement, and social inclusion, guided by values of fairness, diverse perspectives, robust governance, and strategic collaboration. Originating from a leading law firm, it adopts a proactive, partnership-driven approach with a small cohort of strategic allies, offering multi-layered aid including pro bono legal services and volunteering alongside funding.

The Foundation funds projects addressing inequality, educational disadvantage, human rights abuses, and social integration barriers, prioritizing disadvantaged individuals, marginalized communities, and those hit by crises like COVID-19 or economic downturns. Supported activities span advocacy, advice services, direct aid, capacity building, core costs, and emergency relief, with a UK-wide scope plus targeted local grants via community funds in Gloucestershire and Surrey.

Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities (never individuals); there are no income thresholds or religious restrictions, but only invite-only partnerships via trustee networks—no unsolicited applications. Decisions occur at quarterly trustee meetings without public deadlines. Typical grants are unspecified but form part of £100,000–£200,000 annual expenditure across few partners. Distinctives include its broad "justice" lens encompassing social/environmental issues, integrated firm expertise for amplified impact, and deliberate focus on deep engagement over broad grantmaking, excluding non-UK entities and passive funding.