The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 210037

Annual Expenditure: £24.6M
Throughout England And Wales, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, United States, Scotland ... [4 more]

Contact Info

Website: www.jrct.org.uk

Phone: 01904 627810

Email: enquiries@jrct.org.uk

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £16.4 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available for JRCT specifically
  • Decision Time: 2-4 months from application deadline
  • Grant Range: £10,000 - £100,000+ (varies by programme)
  • Geographic Focus: UK only (limited pan-European work)

Contact Details

Website: www.jrct.org.uk

Email: enquiries@jrct.org.uk

Phone: 01904 627810

Address: The Warehouse, Drakes Wharf, East Street, Leeds LS9 8EE

Note: Applicants should contact the Trust office well before deadlines to discuss applications. Do not contact individual trustees.

Overview

Founded in 1904 by chocolate manufacturer Joseph Rowntree, JRCT is a Quaker grant-making trust with over £500 million in assets. The Trust distributed £16.4 million in new grants during 2023 - a record year representing £3 million more than the previous year, plus an additional £3.8 million in cost of living payments. Rooted in Quaker values of peace, equality, simplicity, integrity and stewardship of the earth, JRCT supports approximately 100 charitable organisations annually. The Trust focuses on addressing root causes of conflict and injustice rather than treating “superficial manifestations” of problems, following founder Joseph Rowntree's philosophy to “tackle the roots of a problem to achieve any lasting benefit.”

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Peace and Security: Supporting conflict resolution and peace-building initiatives
  • Power and Accountability: Creating more equally shared power and accountable institutions
  • Rights and Justice: Advancing human rights and social justice causes
  • Sustainable Future: Environmental and sustainability projects
  • Northern Ireland: Peace-building and community relations work
  • Grassroots Movements: £10,000-£70,000 grants for grassroots organisations (special fund)

Priority Areas

  • Work addressing root causes of conflict and injustice
  • Unpopular or contentious issues that create lasting social change
  • Racial justice and equity (25% of 2024 grants benefited black/ethnic minority communities)
  • Organisations led by black, Asian or minority ethnic groups
  • Long-term systemic change rather than service delivery
  • Both unrestricted core support and project funding available

What They Don't Fund

  • Larger, older national charities with established constituencies and substantial reserves
  • Academic research (except as integral to policy/campaigning work)
  • Service provision or immediate needs relief
  • Local or national work outside the UK
  • Work that only treats symptoms rather than root causes

Governance and Leadership

JRCT is governed by volunteer trustees who receive no remuneration. The Trust maintains its Quaker heritage while supporting diverse causes that align with values of social justice and peace. Joseph Rowntree's founding philosophy continues to guide decision-making: “time makes ancient good uncouth,” encouraging trustees to use discretion and adapt to changing circumstances.

Key Quote: “We are a Quaker trust which seeks to transform the world by supporting people who address the root causes of conflict and injustice... We work to strengthen the hands of those leading change.”

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  • Online applications only through JRCT's grants management system
  • Must create account before applying
  • Different programmes have specific deadlines throughout the year
  • Contact Trust office before applying to discuss proposal

2025 Application Deadlines

  • Power and Accountability: March 4, 2025 (registration by Feb 18)
  • Peace and Security: August 22, 2025 (registration by Aug 8)
  • Northern Ireland: August 18, 2025 (registration deadline)
  • Sustainable Future: September 1, 2025 (decision week of Dec 8)

Decision Timeline

Typically 2-4 months from application deadline to trustee decision. Trustees meet several times per year to make funding decisions.

Success Rates

Not publicly available for JRCT specifically. Sister organisation JRRT reports 69% overall success rate (89% for small grants, 64% for large grants).

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in future rounds. No specific restrictions mentioned.

Application Success Factors

Direct Advice from JRCT

  • Focus on root causes rather than symptoms: “You must tackle the roots of a problem to achieve any lasting benefit”
  • Don't shy away from unpopular or contentious issues
  • Demonstrate long-term vision for systemic change
  • Show how work aligns with Quaker values of peace, equality, and justice

Recent Successful Recipients

Past recipients include Reprieve, Fawcett Society, Operation Black Vote, and Fair Tax Mark, indicating support for human rights, gender equality, democratic participation, and economic justice work.

Application Tips

  • Contact Trust office early to discuss fit with priorities
  • Emphasise addressing root causes over service delivery
  • Show willingness to tackle controversial or challenging issues
  • Demonstrate sustainable, long-term impact potential
  • Consider applying for unrestricted core support if eligible

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Root cause focus is essential - demonstrate how your work addresses underlying systemic issues, not just symptoms
  • Embrace controversial work - JRCT specifically supports “unpopular or contentious” issues others won't fund
  • Think long-term - show sustainable impact over years, not immediate results
  • Quaker values alignment - emphasise peace, equality, justice, and environmental stewardship
  • Contact before applying - early discussion with Trust office significantly recommended
  • Core funding available - don't default to project funding if you're eligible for unrestricted support
  • Geographic limitation - must be UK-based work (with very limited European exceptions)

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References