The A&O Shearman Foundation’s Global Grants Program

Description

The Foundation is funded by contributions from A&O partners worldwide and, through the Global Grants Programme, supports: -Our global charity partnership -Disaster relief efforts -Charities that address our core themes of access to justice, education and employment There is no open application process for disaster relief grants. We are open to supporting innovative projects, for example work that will enable organizations to pilot a new approach. We will also consider funding existing projects. We will fund projects with other donors. We would like to move towards developing active partnerships with our grantees and are open to suggestions as to what this might look like. You must include the name of an A&O Shearman colleague who is willing to champion your work alongside your application. This can be anyone who works for A&O Shearman, regardless of job type or location (other than a member of the social impact team, as they are involved in the selection process). We ask for this so that if you are successful, your organization has existing support within the firm. Your champion might be involved in promoting your work internally, carrying out pro bono advice or encouraging others to engage in your projects. Unfortunately we cannot facilitate introductions to colleagues if you are unable to identify an existing connection and we regret that we cannot commit to responding to direct unsolicited approaches.

Key details

Max amount per application: £150,000
Max amount cumulative: £1,479,882
Grant type: Grant
Submission method: Unspecified
Max programme duration: 38 months
Website: allenovery.com/en-gb/global/about_…
Email: daisy.wakefield@allenovery.com
Phone: +44 203 088 3443

Grant conditions & requirements

Eligibility criteria

We accept applications from charities, social enterprises and community interest companies (CICs). The project to be funded should be in an area of considerable need, for example a country described as ‘developing’ in UNDP’s Global Multidimensional Poverty Index. If you have previously received a one-year grant from the Global Grants Program, you can apply for more funding from the next grants funding round after your grant has ended. If you have received a two or three-year grant, you must wait two or three years respectively after the last year of the grant period before applying again. We do not accept applications from individuals.

Grant conditions

Three charities will be awarded grants of approximately GBP50,000 every year. Grantees will also be given an allocation of up to 100 volunteering hours of pro bono and / or community investment time, subject to capacity and agreement with the pro bono and community investment team. Applicants should demonstrate that the project will be delivered in an area or community of considerable need, (for example countries described as “developing” in UNDP’s Multidimensional Poverty Index). The A&O Foundation is open to supporting innovative projects that will enable the charity to pilot a new approach. It is also open to supporting projects where the charity is the only organisation using this methodology to bring about social change. The Foundation will also consider providing support for existing successful projects. The Allen & Overy Foundation will accept applications for one, two or three years of successive funding (i.e. a maximum of GBP150,000 over three years). The Foundation will accept applications from charities previously supported with a one-year grant. Charities that have received two or three-year grants must wait two or three years respectively after the last year of the grant period before applying again. In recognition of the amount of funding available, the Foundation will consider part-funding projects. Charities may ring-fence 20% of the grant for core funding (not necessarily related to the project funded).

Geographic scope

Global

Focus areas

About the provider

Allen & Overy

Type of funder: Corporate

Disclaimer

Last updated: 4 May 2026

Information provided may be inaccurate or outdated. Details about this funding opportunity are based on publicly available information and should be independently verified. Read full disclaimer.

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