About the Foundation

The Spire Foundation was created by barristers and staff at Spire Barristers to support people whose lives are closely connected with the work undertaken by chambers and the wider legal, care and education communities.

Our professional work regularly brings us into contact with children, families and adults facing extremely difficult circumstances. Court proceedings are only one part of their lives. When a case ends, many still face practical barriers to education, training, independence and the support they need to move forward.

The Foundation gives us a focused way to help beyond the courtroom, providing practical support where a comparatively modest grant can create a meaningful and lasting benefit.

To improve life outcomes by funding practical opportunities for people with care experience, learning or physical disabilities, or additional needs, with a particular focus on education, training, skills and independence.

We support eligible beneficiaries living across the North of England. The Foundation’s stated geographical reach extends from Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire in the south to Cumbria and Northumberland in the north, including the areas in between.

Chambers established the 3 Wishes Foundation in 2011, administered through Leeds Community Foundation. That experience inspired a longer-term commitment to community giving, leading to the establishment of The Spire Foundation in 2019.

The Foundation is sustained by regular giving from members and staff of chambers, one-off donations and fundraising activities, including sponsored challenges, the Christmas raffle and the chambers tuck box!

On 1st July 2022, The Spire Foundation became a Registered Charity with the Charity Commission (No.1199524).

A practical intervention, delivered at the right moment, can remove a barrier and open a door that might otherwise remain closed.