We encourage applicants to read through all the information provided about our grant giving aims and priorities, the grant application process and to contact us before developing an application.
JRRT particularly welcomes applications for work on:
Electoral reform: ensuring that citizens’ votes count, turnout is high and elections are fair.
Examples could include campaigning on:
- a fairer voting system (proportional representation)
- media and social media influence on elections
- reforms to election party funding
Open and responsive democracy: in which executive power is checked by an effective parliament, and power is devolved to the nations, regions and communities.
Examples could include:
- promoting further devolution and related mechanisms for accountability
- making parliament and government more accountable and responsive to citizens
Thriving democratic culture: with respect for diversity, collaboration, informed public debate and participation.
Examples could include:
- supporting effective cross-party collaboration
- countering threats to democratic rights to protest, speak out and campaign
- enabling effective citizen participation and engagement
Speaking Truth to Power
From time to time, JRRT funds other work that complements its objectives for democratic and political reform. This is solely at the discretion of Directors and the bar for consideration is high.
These projects:
- are urgent and of national significance
- arise in response to government action or inaction
- are controversial, not charitable and cannot obtain funding elsewhere
- address clear imbalances of power that create significant injustices for groups of people
If you wish to propose a campaign that fits these criteria, please contact us to arrange an initial discussion first.
Capacity
JRRT recognises the importance of strengthening the capacity of those seeking to reform our politics and speak to truth to power. We allocate a proportion of our spending accordingly.
We recognise that there are currently specific challenges around fundraising and greater emphasis on digital campaigning.
JRRT is always open to discussing the needs of our grantees and may be able to help with the provision or signposting of advice and support.
Many of our grantees have enjoyed learning from each other. If you have areas of expertise you are prepared to share, please let us know.
To explore if JRRT might be in a position to assist, please contact the Programme Manager.
UK Democracy Fund
The UK Democracy Fund (the Fund) is a pooled Fund set up by the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust (JRRT) in 2019 and supported by a group of committed funders. The Fund is independent and non-partisan, and works to build a healthy democracy – one in which everyone can participate and where political power is shared fairly.
The Fund gives grants to support its three core goals:
Enabling everyone to vote: Building support for reforms to ensure a simple, seamless and accessible voting system fit for the 21st century.
Extending the right to vote: Advocating in support of expanding the franchise for 16- and 17-year-olds and settled UK residents from overseas.
Increasing participation of everyone in our elections: Making an effort to raise the turnout of low-propensity voters to improve fairness in our democracy.
Find out more about the aims and priorities of the UK Democracy Fund in our funding framework.
What we don’t fund
Information and guidance is also available on what we don’t fund.