Charity support

The Global Grants Program’s open grants round

Who can apply? 

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. 

What do we offer?

Organizations can apply for a one-year grant of up to GBP50,000, a two-year grant of up to GBP100,000 or a three-year grant of up to GBP150,000. 

We do not prioritize one-year grants over two or three-year grants, and grant seekers should apply for the grant size and duration that best suits the work to be funded. We also offer up to 100 hours of pro bono (legal) and / or professional skills volunteering time (non-legal work) alongside the financial donation, subject to the capacity and agreement of the A&O Shearman team. 

Organizations may ring-fence 20% of the grant for core funding (not necessarily related to the project funded). 

What are we looking for in an application? 

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.

How can I apply? 

We are no longer accepting applications for the Global Grants Program. Please sign up to our mailing list here to stay up to date on when our next round opens later this year. If you have any questions, please contact globalfoundation@aoshearman.com.