Celebrating a £20,000 Award: Black & Proud CIC Secures SQE Assessment Funding

Black & Proud
Aug 7
2 min read

We are delighted to announce that Black & Proud Community Interest Company (CIC) has been awarded £20,000 from the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s SQE Access & Reinvestment Fund. As one of only 11 organisations nationwide to receive this grant, our CIC is uniquely positioned to remove financial barriers and promote diversity in the legal profession.

Learn more about the fund and recipients: SRA SQE Access and Reinvestment Fund

About Black & Proud CIC

Black & Proud CIC empowers Black individuals and businesses across the UK through:

Education & Careers: Scholarships, mentorship programmes, and SQE exam preparation.
Health & Wellbeing: Mental health support and community wellness initiatives.
Sports & Culture: Inclusive sports events and cultural celebrations of Black heritage.
Community Projects: Financial literacy workshops, youth mentorship, and substance misuse programmes.

Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, enhance visibility, and celebrate Black excellence. We envision a UK where aspiring Black solicitors and entrepreneurs thrive.

Impact of the £20,000 Grant

With this funding, Black & Proud CIC will:

Cover SQE Assessment Fees for candidates taking SQE1 and SQE2 who face financial hardship and have not been qualified in any jurisdiction.
Deliver Tailored Support via one-to-one mentoring, peer study groups, and exam workshops.
Promote Legal Diversity by prioritising underrepresented candidates in the legal profession.

“This grant allows our mentees to focus on exam mastery rather than fees.” – Damilola Sanusi, Director, Black & Proud CIC

“Thanks to SRA’s support, we’re setting a new standard for inclusive legal education.” – Mutiat Afolabi, Lead Mentor, Black & Proud CIC

How to Apply & Get Involved

Apply for Funding: Aspiring solicitors can submit their SQE assessment fee application via our website or email on or before 31st August 2025.
Tell us your Name, and in not more than 500 words, why we should pick you. Successful candidates will be interviewed and winners annouced.
Refer a Candidate: Know someone eligible? Refer them to Black & Proud CIC for financial support.
Volunteer Mentor: Share your legal expertise with our mentees.
Donate: Additional contributions fund resources like study materials
Spread the Word: Share on social media with #BlackAndProudSQEFund.