The Strategic Legal Fund supports legal work that drives systemic change for migrants in the UK. It focuses on cases that go beyond helping one individual and instead influence law, policy and practice for wider groups facing disadvantage due to their immigration status.
The fund supports strategic legal action that tackles injustice and discrimination linked to migration status. This includes areas such as asylum, immigration, housing, education, welfare, human rights and access to justice.
The key test is impact—projects must demonstrate potential to create wider legal or systemic change, not just resolve an individual case.
Eligibility and exclusions (including CICs)
Funding is open to not-for-profit organisations and, in some cases, law firms delivering specialist legal work (with a clear pro bono element).
Projects must benefit migrants, asylum seekers or refugees who are living in poverty and experiencing significant disadvantage or discrimination.
The fund does not support general advice services, campaigning, or standard casework—only strategic legal work linked to potential legal challenge.
Grants are typically up to £30,000, with most awards around £10,000–£15,000. the Next Deadline is 8th June with decisions typically made within six weeks.
The process is staged—applicants must first discuss their idea with the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA). If eligible, they are invited to submit a full application.
Strong applications clearly demonstrate how the work will influence law, policy or practice at a systemic level. The most competitive bids show a clear legal strategy, strong evidence base, and credible legal expertise to deliver impact.