About

We are a grant making trust that supports civil society leaders to build a fairer world.

The Joffe Charitable Trust was set up by Joel and Vanetta Joffe in 1968. Joel led the Trust until 2017. He encouraged hundreds of people to do extraordinary things for public benefit in the UK and developing countries. Dozens of charities simply would not exist as they do today without Joel.

We are inspired by Joel’s work and legacy.

Our mission is to support civil society leaders to build a fairer world, with opportunity for all. We mainly focus on strengthening integrity in the UK’s international financial systems. We also have a history of supporting high potential not-for-profit organisations.

We encourage and support leaders to build stronger organisations that can achieve more over the long term. We make grants, encourage strategic collaboration and convene events where they can be helpful.

We recognise that we are one medium sized, specialist trust, working in ways that overlap with many other organisations and wider dynamics. We seek to be a good collaborator within the wider field we operate in, contributing to overall progress.

In 2021, we decided to spend out the Trust’s assets and close in approximately 2030. Joel intended that the Trust’s funds should be put to good use, rather than perpetuating his name. We aim to use our limited funds to make a practical difference to the huge needs and inequalities in the world now.

The Trust is led by a board of trustees who oversee the work of a small executive team.

“Outdoor Sculptures II”, Tranøy, Norway. Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash