Foundation Aimed At Improving Lives And The Environment Launched

Leeds law firm Shoosmiths has launched The Shoosmiths Foundation, a grant making body working to help address societal issues, empower sustainable change and improve the lives of the people and the environment in the UK.

The Foundation builds on the existing community investment programme which continues to support local charity partners through staff fundraising and firm donations, staff volunteering and provision of legal advice pro bono.

Grants are available for UK registered charities undertaking work in the UK, with funding decided by the Shoosmiths Foundation Grants Committee.

In terms of eligible expenditure, applications for this round – open from today until close of business Friday 23 July 2021 - must relate to the social mobility aim the Foundation's grant giving priority for 2021.

The Foundation offers grants in the following categories, to:

advance social mobility in the legal sector, and across the UK, in line with the Shoosmiths social mobility action plan. Particular focus on charitable organisations which share our belief that ‘talent can come from anywhere’, and which align their interventions with local socio-economic analysis and need;
advance a carbon net zero UK; and
advance access to justice in the UK.

Chief Executive Simon Boss, said: “The Shoosmiths Foundation is a really exciting opportunity for us in our efforts to increase our societal impact. With our three Foundation themes, we are able to allocate funds to strategic priority areas. In 2021/22, we’ll be looking for applications which have a focus on social mobility.

“This will enable us to build on our long-standing community commitments as a firm, and it is also an opportunity for us to financially support projects which align with our ambitions - and reiterate our belief - that talent can come from anywhere.”

The firm will be hosting a live webinar on Wednesday 14 July 2021 14:00 to 15:00 hours where charities can find out more and ask any questions.

The closing date for applications is close of business on Friday 23 July 2021.