Grants

We are a specialist funder with a carefully defined approach to who we fund.

Update: We are only open for applications for work on illicit finance.

We have a two stage application process, with an initial enquiry followed by a full application. We only invite full applications where there is a good chance of success.

Over the last two years, 80 – 90% of full applications considered by the board have been successful.

We normally make grants of up to £40,000 per year for up to three years. We also give smaller grants, where this is useful.

We recognise that we are only one small funder among many. We keep our processes light and simple. We take a supportive and flexible approach to getting to know applicants and grantees.

Before getting in touch, please make sure you are familiar with our general exclusions (below) and the criteria set out in our open focus area:

If you meet our criteria, then please follow our two stage process explained in: how to apply.

Who we fund

Many of the organisations we fund collaborate through the UK Anti-Corruption Coalition’s work on illicit finance. We also fund independent specialist journalism and specialists in other aspects of illicit finance.

Successful applicants normally:

  • Demonstrate effective leadership, clear focus and strategy,
  • Identify how their work fits with existing efforts by civil society and other stakeholders on illicit finance (and how plans have been developed in dialogue with them)
  • Have an annual income of less than £5m,
  • Use our funding, where possible, to strengthen long term sustainability for their organisation,
  • Apply to us for work that is hard to fund from other sources.

We usually fund small UK-based charities that are registered with the UK Charity Commission. In exceptional cases, we fund work by organisations that are not registered charities where we are satisfied that the work is wholly for charitable purposes and public benefit.

We are keen to support diversity in non-profit leadership and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

What we do not usually fund

  • Organisations based outside of the UK
  • Emergency relief
  • Individuals
  • Work that mainly benefits UK communities
  • Organisations entirely led by white men at both board & executive levels.

We believe that we can make the best use of our funds by supporting smaller and highly focused initiatives that are aligned with our focus areas.

“Hands Across the Divide”, Derry, Northern Ireland. Photo by diego_cue. (CC BY-SA 3.0)