Resource Justice Network

Resource Justice Network is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 1170959).

Resource Justice Network is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 1170959) that aims to empower communities in pursuing equitable governance of natural resources and justice in the energy transition. It works through evidence-based advocacy, research, community empowerment, alliance-building and grant-making with civil society organisations, frontline communities, governments and international institutions in over 50 countries. Its Secretariat fundraises with members and gives small, time-limited subgrants to support their advocacy, and it keeps a dedicated fund for prompt emergency support to members facing threats and reprisals. Its support runs through three mechanisms: joint fundraising, movement-building subgrants and support for member-led fundraising.

Priority Areas

The Secretariat uses joint fundraising and subgrants to support members in delivering the Network’s global strategy. It provides targeted, needs-based support, including time-limited subgrants for advocacy, research and analysis, capacity-building, legal action, and learning and inclusion within the movement. The issues it addresses include equitable governance of natural resources, a fair transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, responsible mineral governance, and the ability of communities and civil society to participate powerfully and safely in decisions. Support is directed to member organisations and national coalitions for key projects. Members are expected to align proposals with the strategy and meet the Network’s operating and governance standards; subgranting is subject to due diligence, clear plans and measurable results. The Secretariat’s role is to complement members’ own fundraising.

Themes

• Equitable resource governance
• Fair fossil-fuel phaseout
• Responsible transition minerals
• Community participation
• Women’s rights in resources

Geographic Focus

No geographic focus is stated; the annual report shows grants mainly in Nigeria.

Members request support through their interactions with Secretariat staff, clearly outlining the request and how it aligns with the relevant purposes and criteria.

Who can apply:

• To be eligible for support from the Secretariat, member organisations must meet Resource Justice Network’s strict governance and accountability criteria.
• Support to Member-Led Fundraising: The member adheres, or strives to adhere, to Resource Justice Network’s Operating Principles and Coalition Membership Standards.

What to send:

• Movement-Building Subgrants
  • A project concept note, outlining key activities, alignment with the Global Strategy and planned impact.
  • Evidence (e.g. workplan, budget) that the subgrantee has clear plans to use the funds strategically, with clear measurable impact and results in mind.
• Emergency Fund: Evidence of the need for support. Examples include court summons / other evidence of legal proceedings, pro forma invoices for legal costs, and written or recorded testimonials from or on behalf of members who are being targeted.

What the charity says:

• The member’s subgrant proposal must align with Resource Justice Network’s Global Strategy.
• The proposal should show clear plans for strategic use of funds, with measurable impact and results.
• The member should adhere to the Network’s operating principles and coalition membership standards.
• The member should have actively engaged with the movement, the Secretariat and other members or coalitions.
• The member must pass, or be in the process of completing, the required due diligence assessment.
• The member organisation is responsible for timely narrative and financial reports and regular monitoring of progress and lessons learnt.