The British Asian Trust

Quick Stats

• Founded: 2007
• Annual Expenditure: £16,066,193
• Total Impact: 13 million+ people reached across South Asia
• Grant Range: £10,000 - £150,000 (CoExistence Fund example)
• Geographic Focus: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
• Charity Number: 1127366
• Royal Founding Patron: His Majesty King Charles III

Contact Details

Website: www.britishasiantrust.org

Email: info@britishasiantrust.org

Phone: 020 3973 6426

Address: ScaleSpace White City, Wood Lane, London W12 7RZ

Specific Programme Contacts:

• $100m Outcomes Fund: Abha.Thorat-Shah@britishasiantrust.org
• General Partnership Enquiries: info@britishasiantrust.org

Overview

The British Asian Trust was founded in 2007 by His Majesty King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and a group of prominent British Asian business leaders to tackle widespread poverty, inequality and injustice in South Asia. Since its inception, the Trust has positively impacted over 13 million people across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The Trust is a diaspora-led international development organisation that operates through a distinctive model combining traditional philanthropy with innovative social finance mechanisms, including Development Impact Bonds (DIBs). Rather than implementing programmes directly, the Trust works through carefully selected local delivery partners in South Asia, applying rigorous due diligence to ensure proven track records and financial sustainability.

Under CEO Richard Hawkes OBE (appointed 2015, awarded OBE in 2020), the Trust has pioneered outcomes-based programming that emphasises measurement, evidence, and systems change. The organisation has achieved notable recognition, including winning the Social Impact Project of the Year Award at the 2024 UK-India Awards for its partnership with BT Group India. The Trust's Quality Education India DIB exceeded targets, reaching 200,000 children who demonstrated a 2.5x increase in learning despite pandemic-related school closures.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The British Asian Trust operates through thematic programmes and innovative financing mechanisms rather than traditional open grant rounds. Key initiatives include:

LiftEd Education Programme (2024-2029)

• Budget: Up to $20 million over 5 years
• Target: 4 million children across Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar
• Focus: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)
• Structure: Dual approach with Development Impact Bond and EdTech Accelerator
• Partners: 26 funding partners including Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Bridges Outcomes Partnerships, Maitri Trust, Reliance Foundation, USAID

$100m Outcomes Fund for Women and Girls

• Target: Over 2 million women and girls across South Asia
• Focus: Scalable solutions to achieve SDGs through outcomes-focused approaches
• Partnership model: Co-development with investors, bilateral aid agencies, diaspora philanthropists, corporates, and civil society
• Contact: Abha.Thorat-Shah@britishasiantrust.org

CoExistence Fund (Conservation)

• Geographic focus: India
• Grant tiers:
• Large grants: £100,000 - £150,000 (scaling/replicating projects with established evidence)
• Medium grants: £50,000 - £100,000 (projects with initial pilot success)
• Small grants: £10,000 - £50,000 (early-stage innovations)
• Focus: Human-wildlife coexistence solutions led by local conservationists
• Partners with Elephant Family's CoExistence campaign

Women's Economic Empowerment

• Previous programme (2017-2020) supported 10,000+ women with UK Government FCDO funding
• Average earnings increase: 37%
• Components: Vocational training, business skills, life skills, financial services access, micro-business loans
• Current initiatives in Punjab, Pakistan (women-led enterprises) and other locations

Mental Health

• Milkar (Pakistan): 12-month nationwide campaign launched October 2024 with Mir Khalil ur Rahman Foundation, reaching 100 million+ people via Geo/Jang media platforms (approximately 75% of Pakistan's population)
• Focus: Awareness, stigma reduction, self-care, professional help access
• Bangladesh: Mental health support for acid and burn violence survivors, ready-made garment workers

Anti-Human Trafficking

• Focus: Children's protection from trafficking and exploitation
• Approach: Strengthening civic support systems, survivor rehabilitation

Priority Areas

• Education: Foundational literacy and numeracy, quality education outcomes, systems change through government partnerships
• Livelihoods: Women's economic empowerment, income generation, financial inclusion, vocational training, youth entrepreneurship
• Mental Health: Awareness campaigns, trauma counselling, community-based support
• Conservation: Human-wildlife coexistence, particularly elephants, leopards, snow leopards
• Anti-Trafficking: Child protection, survivor support
• Emergency Relief: Humanitarian support during crises (e.g., Sri Lanka economic crisis, COVID-19 response)

Geographic Focus

India: Largest programme portfolio including LiftEd, CoExistence Fund, Quality Education India DIB

Pakistan: Milkar mental health campaign, women's economic empowerment, youth entrepreneurship

Bangladesh: First Director appointed 2024, acid attack survivor support, garment worker mental health

Sri Lanka: Economic empowerment (500 women in vocational training), youth entrepreneurship (30 youth), emergency relief partnerships with Foundation of Goodness

What They Don't Fund

The British Asian Trust does not:

• Fund organisations outside South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka)
• Provide grants for work outside their thematic areas
• Operate as an open grant-maker for general development work
• Fund individual applications without established organisational partnerships

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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

Chair: Lord Jitesh Gadhia

Vice-Chairs:

• Asif Rangoonwala CBE (Founder, South Street Asset Management)
• Shalni Arora OBE (CEO, Savannah Wisdom)

Additional Trustees:

• Aatif Hassan (Founder and Chairman, Dukes Education)
• Shonnel Malani (Managing Partner, Advent International Ltd)
• Dr Shenila Rawal (Managing Partner, Oxford Partnership for Education Research & Analysis)
• Khatun Sapnara (Circuit Judge and Deputy High Court Judge, Lord Chief Justice's nominated Trustee of The Access To Justice Foundation)

Board Sub-Committees

1. Programmes and Partnerships Committee (Chaired by Shenila Rawal)
2. Social Finance Committee (Chaired by David Hutchison OBE)
3. Finance and Risk Committee (Chaired by Shalni Arora OBE)
4. Governance, Nominations and Remuneration Committee (Chaired by Jitesh Gadhia)
5. Fundraising Committee (Chaired by Aatif Hassan)

Executive Leadership

Richard Hawkes OBE, Chief Executive Officer (since 2015)

• Previously Chief Executive of Scope, International Director of VSO, Chief Executive of Sense International
• Worked for the United Nations
• Former Chair of Bond (umbrella body for UK international NGOs)
• Launched first social investment bond in the UK (£20m bond listed on Luxembourg Stock Market)
• Awarded OBE in October 2020 for contribution to the charity sector

Abha Thorat-Shah, Executive Director, Social Finance

• Founding team member
• Globally recognised practitioner and thought leader in social finance
• Fellow of Practice 2021-2022 at Government Outcomes Labs, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
• Visiting Fellow of Practice at Blavatnik School of Government

Leadership Quotes

Richard Hawkes on social finance: “Problems of the world will not be solved by philanthropy and traditional development approaches alone... Social finance forces the organisation to think more about data, evidence and outcomes.”

On blended finance: "You should see blended finance as magic money. It's not just a new fad in fundraising – it's a new way of doing things. So, you've got to be prepared to change the approach of your organization and really look at doing things in a different way."

On measurement: “By setting out clear goals and objectives from the outset, social finance instruments allow real, measurable targets to be tracked... it can help us to change the way that we approach philanthropy and development programmes.”

Lord Jitesh Gadhia on new trustee appointments (2024): The new trustees “will strengthen what is already an exceptional group of Trustees.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Important Note: The British Asian Trust is not an open grant-maker in the traditional sense. The Trust works exclusively through partnerships with local delivery partners in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka). UK organisations seeking funding to work in other regions should not apply.

Partnership Approach:

The Trust selects partners through rigorous due diligence processes rather than open application rounds. All partners must:

• Operate in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka
• Have a proven track record in their field
• Demonstrate good management practices
• Show financial sustainability
• Be willing to focus on outcomes and measurement

Specific Programme Applications:

1. CoExistence Fund: Periodic calls for proposals from organisations working on human-wildlife coexistence in India. Applications typically invited for specific funding rounds (check website for current opportunities).

1. $100m Outcomes Fund: Organisations interested in supporting women and girls through results-focused programmes should contact Abha.Thorat-Shah@britishasiantrust.org to discuss projects and partnership opportunities.

1. LiftEd and Development Impact Bonds: Partner organisations are selected through competitive processes for specific programme phases. The Trust works with state governments and established education/skills organisations.

Initial Contact:

• General partnership enquiries: info@britishasiantrust.org
• Trust and foundation partnerships: info@britishasiantrust.org
• Specific programme discussions: Contact relevant programme leads

For UK Trusts and Foundations:

The British Asian Trust actively seeks funding FROM UK trusts and foundations to support their South Asia programmes. If you represent a UK trust or foundation interested in supporting their work, contact info@britishasiantrust.org.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary significantly by programme type:

• Development Impact Bonds: Extended design and partnership process (12-18+ months from conception to launch)
• CoExistence Fund: Review period following application deadline (specific to each call)
• Partnership discussions: Variable based on programme fit and due diligence requirements

The Trust emphasises thorough due diligence, which includes assessment of track record, management practices, financial sustainability, and alignment with outcomes-based approaches.

Partner Selection Criteria

The Trust's due diligence process evaluates:

• Track Record: Proven impact and established evidence of effectiveness
• Outcomes Focus: Willingness to commit to measurement and results-based management
• Financial Sustainability: Strong financial management and sustainability
• Systems Change Approach: Ability to work with government systems and create lasting impact
• Local Leadership: Organisations led by and embedded in local communities
• Collaborative Approach: Openness to co-development and partnership models

Application Success Factors

Critical Success Factors for Partnership

1. Outcomes and Measurement Focus

Richard Hawkes emphasises: "Too many charity sector organisations raise money in such a way that they aren't really focused on the outcomes and what they're trying to achieve." The Trust requires partners to:

• Define clear, measurable success targets from the outset
• Commit to rigorous data collection and impact evaluation
• Use independent third-party evaluators
• Track outcomes rather than just activities or outputs

2. Systems Change Approach

The Trust prioritises partners who work through government systems rather than parallel structures. For example:

• LiftEd partners work with state governments, block and district officers, school principals, and teachers
• Focus on building capacity within existing systems for long-term sustainability
• Create “ripple effects” that impact more people over longer periods

3. Evidence of Cost-Effectiveness

The Quality Education India DIB delivered outcomes at 46% lower cost than originally projected. The Trust values:

• Demonstrated value for money
• Efficiency in programme delivery
• Innovative approaches to reducing costs while maintaining quality

4. Proven Track Record

All partners are “selected with rigorous due diligence” and must have:

• Established evidence of impact, particularly for large grants
• Initial pilot success for medium grants
• Clear innovation potential for small grants
• Financial sustainability and good governance

5. Local Leadership and Contextual Understanding

The Trust's approach “prioritizes local decision-making, with substantial in-country teams and partnerships that empower communities to identify challenges and co-develop solutions.” Successful partners demonstrate:

• Deep understanding of local context
• Strong community relationships
• Culturally appropriate programme design
• Local team leadership

6. Collaborative and Adaptive Mindset

Hawkes notes: "You've got to be prepared to change the approach of your organization and really look at doing things in a different way." The Trust seeks partners who:

• Are open to new financing mechanisms
• Embrace co-development processes
• Can work with multiple stakeholders (government, private sector, civil society)
• Adapt based on evidence and learning

7. Alignment with Strategic Priorities

Current strategic focus areas include:

• Foundational literacy and numeracy (education)
• Women and girls' empowerment
• Mental health awareness and stigma reduction
• Human-wildlife coexistence
• Anti-trafficking and child protection

Programme-Specific Guidance

For CoExistence Fund Applicants:

• Large grants require “established evidence and high impact” ready for scaling
• Medium grants need “demonstrated initial evidence of success through pilots”
• Small grants should present “small scale and early-stage/pilot innovations to gather evidence”
• Definition used: “A sustainable though dynamic state, where humans and wildlife co-adapt to sharing landscapes” (Pooley et al., 2020)

For Education Partners:

• Must align with government priorities (e.g., India's NIPUN Bharat Mission)
• Demonstrate systems change approach
• Commit to working with government officials and teachers
• Focus on foundational learning outcomes

For Women's Economic Empowerment:

• Comprehensive package including vocational training, business skills, life skills, and financial services
• Track income increases and job placements
• Support sustainable livelihoods through micro-business loans and enterprise support

What Doesn't Work

Based on the Trust's approach, applications unlikely to succeed:

• Organisations without presence in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka
• Projects without clear outcomes framework
• Standalone programmes not connected to systems change
• Organisations unwilling to work with government systems
• Projects without evidence base or pilot results (for medium/large grants)
• Organisations resistant to external evaluation

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Understand the Model: The British Asian Trust is NOT an open grant-maker. They fund local South Asian partners through competitive, rigorous selection processes. UK organisations should only approach if they have established operations and track record in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka.

1. Outcomes Are Everything: Demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes from the start. As Hawkes states, “Social finance instruments increase accountability in the development sector by tying funding to results.” Be prepared for rigorous monitoring and independent evaluation.

1. Think Systems Change: The Trust prioritises working through government systems. Show how your approach builds sustainable capacity within existing structures rather than creating parallel systems.

1. Evidence Your Impact: For medium/large grants, proven track record is essential. Start with small grants to build evidence if you're testing innovations. The QEI DIB achieved 2.5x learning increases - set and meet ambitious targets.

1. Embrace Innovation in Funding: The Trust pioneered Development Impact Bonds and outcomes-based financing. If approaching them, demonstrate openness to innovative financing mechanisms and willingness to adapt your organisational approach.

1. Local Partnership is Key: The Trust's model emphasises local leadership and decision-making. If you're a UK organisation, consider how you enable local partner leadership rather than imposing external approaches.

1. Financial Sustainability Matters: Due diligence includes assessment of financial management and sustainability. Ensure strong financial systems and governance before approaching.

1. Royal Patronage Sets Standards: With His Majesty King Charles III as Royal Founding Patron, the Trust maintains high standards. “There is meticulous due diligence in both project selection and donor vetting to uphold the high standards that come with royal patronage.”

1. Contact Early for Specific Programmes: For targeted programmes like the $100m Outcomes Fund, make contact early (Abha.Thorat-Shah@britishasiantrust.org) to discuss co-development opportunities rather than submitting unsolicited proposals.

1. UK Trusts and Foundations: If you're a UK trust or foundation, the British Asian Trust actively seeks funding partnerships to support their South Asia work. Contact info@britishasiantrust.org to explore how your funding can support their programmes.

References

1. British Asian Trust Official Website - https://www.britishasiantrust.org/
2. British Asian Trust Governance Page - https://www.britishasiantrust.org/about/governance/
3. LiftEd Programme Information - https://www.britishasiantrust.org/our-work/social-finance/lifted/ and https://liftedindia.com/
4. CoExistence Fund Information - https://www.britishasiantrust.org/our-work/conservation/coexistence-fund/
5. “CEO of the British Asian Trust, Richard Hawkes, on impact investing” - Lidji.org - https://www.lidji.org/post/ceo-of-the-british-asian-trust-richard-hawkes-on-impact-investing-and-their-work-in-south-asia
6. “Richard Hawkes: What charities need to know before entering the world of social finance” - Civil Society - https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/voices/richard-hawkes-what-charities-need-to-know-before-entering-the-world-of-social-finance.html
7. "Excellent Results for World's Largest Education Development Impact Bond" - British Asian Trust News - https://www.britishasiantrust.org/latest-updates/news-events/excellent-results-for-world-s-largest-education-development-impact-bond/
8. Quality Education India DIB Website - https://qualityeducationindiadib.com/
9. “Milkar: Uniting for Mental Health Awareness in Pakistan” - British Asian Trust Blog - https://www.britishasiantrust.org/latest-updates/blogs/milkar-uniting-for-mental-health-awareness-in-pakistan/
10. "Driving women's economic empowerment" - British Asian Trust - https://www.britishasiantrust.org/our-work/livelihoods/driving-women-s-economic-empowerment/
11. “His Majesty The King to continue as Royal Founding Patron” - British Asian Trust News - https://www.britishasiantrust.org/latest-updates/news-events/his-majesty-the-king-to-continue-as-royal-founding-patron-of-the-british-asian-trust/
12. British Asian Trust Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Asian_Trust
13. Charity Commission Register - Charity Number 1127366 - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1127366&subid=0
14. “British Asian Trust announces appointment of three new Trustees” - https://www.britishasiantrust.org/latest-updates/news-events/british-asian-trust-announces-appointment-of-three-new-trustees/
15. Contact Page - British Asian Trust - https://www.britishasiantrust.org/contact/
16. Bangladesh Programmes - https://www.britishasiantrust.org/our-work/country-programmes/bangladesh/
17. Sri Lanka Programmes - https://www.britishasiantrust.org/our-work/country-programmes/sri-lanka/
18. Trusts and Foundations Partnership Page - https://www.britishasiantrust.org/support-us/trusts-and-foundations/