It’s time to close the global justice gap.
An estimated two-thirds of the global population—5.1 billion people—are being failed by justice systems. That means when their rights are violated, they have nowhere to turn for help.
The Legal Empowerment Fund (LEF) offers long-term core funding to grassroots activists and organizations who are supporting their communities to tackle systemic injustices and advocate for expanded protections under the law.
Breaking down the global justice gap
We believe in a future where all people are able to access equal protections and remedies under the law. Learn more about what legal empowerment is and why it matters for everyone.
Success Story
Protecting Indigenous Peoples’ Land
Around the world, Indigenous peoples’ lands have been stolen without their consent. But along the Atlantic coast of Honduras, the Afro-Indigenous Garifuna people took their case to a top international court—and won. Learn how their landmark victory is setting an important legal precedent about free, prior, and informed consent for other Indigenous communities in the region.
Meet the Director
Atieno Odhiambo
Atieno Odhiambo is the director of the Legal Empowerment Fund. A lawyer by training, Odhiambo’s experience ranges from working for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Kenya to representing marginalized populations in Washington State and Kenya. She has a BA in history from Rice University and a JD from Tulane Law School.
Funders and Allies
We are proud to be supported by and work alongside our funders and allies, including:
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
The Mott Foundation supports projects around the world that promote a just, equitable, and sustainable society.
William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
The Hewlett Foundation is a nonpartisan, private charitable foundation that advances ideas and supports institutions to promote a better world.
Namati advances social and environmental justice by building a movement of people who know, use, and shape the law.
International Development Research Centre
As part of Canada’s foreign affairs and development efforts, IDRC champions and funds research and innovation within and alongside developing regions to drive global change.
Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies
The Pathfinders are a group of 39 UN member states and partners working to accelerate action to implement the SDG targets for peace, justice and inclusion (SDG16+).
The Nationale Postcode Loterij is a Dutch charity lottery that raises money for social and environmental causes. They’ve raised over 10 billion euros for various charities since its founding in 1989.
We welcome collaboration with other funders and allies as we work to raise $100 million over ten years and strengthen the people-centered justice movement.
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Learn more about legal empowerment and the work we support.
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