Scaling Climate Action Through Pro Bono Support
Case Study: JUST ONE Tree
The Challenge
The United Nations has referred to Climate Change as the “defining issue of our time,” highlighting the scale and urgency of the action needed. Deforestation is a major contributor. In 2023 alone, more than 6.3 million hectares of forest were lost.
Environmental organisations have an essential role in tackling these challenges. One such organisation is JUST ONE Tree, which is working to restore ecosystems through ocean regeneration, climate education and reforestation. Trees are a powerful tool to support efforts to combat climate change as they remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, as well as filtering water and stabilising soil, making them essential for environmental restoration.
JUST ONE Tree delivers impact across the globe including in Madagascar, Indonesia and Ecuador. The organisation’s simple model where £1 funds the planting of one tree, means businesses and individuals can contribute to reforestation.
Additionally, JUST ONE Tree’s climate education seeks to educate the next generation about climate change. To expand this vital work, JUST ONE Tree wanted to secure increased corporate funding. However, the existing legal deed limited the way donations could be accepted and used.
The Solution
Through its pro bono network A4ID connected JUST ONE Tree with Travers Smith LLP, who redrafted JUST ONE Tree’s Deed of Gift to allow flexible funding. The new Deed of Gift has allowed JUST ONE Tree to:
- Access new sources of corporate funding
- Introduce an innovative donations model
- Futureproof its funding structure
- Expand its environmental and education programmes.
As a result, JUST ONE Tree offers:
- One for One donation – the organisation can plant one tree for every £1 donated. Corporates can link a tree planted to every product sold, invoice raised, service provided, ticket sales, employee engagement or any other mechanism that works for them.
- Maximum Impact – Companies can opt to support entire ecosystem restoration, meaning they fund other vital areas of reforestation and conservation.
- Regular giving and fundraising – Individuals or companies can simply set up a monthly donation or create fundraising opportunities such as marathons and employee challenges or rewards.
- JUST ONE Tree Day – the only non-uniform day in schools for the planet. A whole school fundraiser means their school plants an entire forest, empowering the next generation through positive action.
Impact
With the new deed, the NGO can scale out reforestation, protect biodiversity, automate systems, and expand community impact. To date:
- Over 800 schools have taken part in JUST ONE Tree Day helping spread awareness and equipping schools with environmental resources.
- More than 250,000 children have benefited from this education, shaping the next generation of leaders in the fight against climate change.
- Neary 6 million trees have been planted,
- 2,149 acres have been restored, and
- 1,374,206 tonnes of C02 have been removed from the atmosphere.
These numbers demonstrate how targeted pro bono legal support can unlock growth and enable organisations to deliver measurable, large-scale impact.
JUST ONE Tree CEO Amanda Bronkhorst said: “We are incredibly grateful for A4ID’s support in helping us take this next step to help us progress JUST ONE Tree by connecting us with Travers Smith LLP. Their support has been instrumental in preparing our NGO to be ready for the next step in increasing our corporate donations. This is a milestone we could not have achieved without your expert guidance.”
Support has been instrumental in preparing our NGO to be ready for the next step in increasing our corporate donations. This is a milestone we could not have achieved without your expert guidance.
Get involved
Law firms, corporate legal departments, judiciaries and barristers’ chambers can partner with A4ID to provide pro bono legal services to governmental and non-governmental organisations dedicated to solutions to the climate crisis. Find out more about Pro Bono Legal Service – A4ID and join the SDG Legal Initiative.
