We’re undertaking internal work which will affect some of our grant-making over the period November 2023 to November 2024. As an organisation we want to make time and space to embed recommendations from different reviews and working groups, and to operationalise organisational commitments, particularly in relation to the origins of our endowment.
As the changes to grant making over this period are designed to reduce staff workloads, we intend to consider a smaller number of applications in the Autumn 2023 and Spring 2024 rounds. We have also provided additional guidance so that we can consider applications which are closely aligned to the recommendations of our recent review, and to the needs of the sector at this time. We have now reached capacity for the upcoming deadline of 20 March and we are no longer able to accept any further enquiries. It is our intention to have an open grant round in Autumn 2024 and information regarding this will posted online in the summer.
We are still committed to supporting existing grant-holders. If you are an existing grant holder, we will be in touch to discuss grant renewals.
The overall focus is on developing and promoting sustainable, low-carbon alternatives to the current consumerist and growth-based paradigm. We will support a range of actions to achieve these aims, recognising this might include defending current policies, frameworks, and regulations.
Current economic systems encourage unsustainable growth and do not adequately reflect the true costs and risks of resource depletion, climate change and other environmental problems. We will fund work that:
Recent projects funded under this strand:
There is evidence that the ever higher levels of consumption, once basic needs for security and comfort are met, do not result in greater happiness or well-being. At the same time, such ever-increasing consumption is not environmentally sustainable, and contributes towards social problems including overwork, anxiety and loss of community. We will fund:
In order to create a broad-based, democratic and lasting transition to a low-carbon sustainable society, we need to involve everyone. JRCT is particularly concerned that marginalised groups and young activists have a voice in decisions which affect them.
We will fund:
We are focusing on work:
Due to the limits of our available funding, we are not focusing on work:
We are aware of the shift towards funding work which includes marginalised communities, or those with marginalised identities. We are also aware of the harm this can cause to those groups if it isn’t done well.
We want to support initiatives which are thoughtful about this, and which are committed to being reflexive and are about collective liberation and solidarity.
With that in mind, should your proposal include work with marginalised groups, we ask that you set out why you feel these groups are marginalised, and why you are the right organisation or collective to do this work. We are interested in how you think about this and see this as a learning opportunity for applicants and for our committee members.
JRCT recognises that the issues are worldwide. However, this programme has a UK focus, to take advantage of the body of thought and expertise that already exists here, and in recognition of the UK’s influential global role in maintaining current financial and market systems.
Please read the Trust’s general exclusions.
In addition to the general exclusions, the following types of work will not be funded:
“If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”-Lilla Watson
Climate change caused by human activity is threatening the well-being of humanity. The wealthiest countries and individuals are responsible for a disproportionate share of emissions, whilst the poorest countries and sections of society are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Similarly, our use of natural resources is unsustainable and unjust. Technological change is essential but not sufficient; fundamental changes to economic models and social norms will also be required, but there is not yet sufficient public or political consensus to make these changes.
Our 2022 review of the Sustainable Future programme
A year-long review of our Sustainable Future programme has made a series of recommendations to ensure JRCT centres those who are most harmed by systemic injustice and who are the least likely to be involved in giving and receiving philanthropic funding.
You can read our Voices from the Ground review report and its recommendations here.
Projects recently funded under the Sustainable Future programme
For a full list of funded projects see our database of grants awarded.