Trust For Research And Education On The Arms Trade (treat)

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £336,212 (year ending 30 June 2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Approximately 2 months (decisions by 1 June and 1 December)
• Grant Range: £500 - £45,000 (typical range £1,000 - £5,000)
• Geographic Focus: UK-based but supports international arms trade research

Contact Details

Address: Unit 1.9, The Green House, 244-254 Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9DA

Email: jon@caat.org.uk (Jon Nott, Secretary)

Phone: 020-7281 0297

Website: www.treat-research.org.uk

Overview

TREAT was established in 1990 to promote research into the international arms trade and its effects, and to disseminate the results of such research. As a registered charity (No. 328694), TREAT operates as a grant-making organization with an annual expenditure of £336,212 (2024). The charity is governed by five trustees who bring significant expertise in arms trade research, journalism, and activism. While the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) is the main beneficiary, TREAT explicitly states that it also awards grants to other research organizations and individuals, especially academics. The charity takes a strategic approach to funding, supporting research that addresses the relationship between the arms trade and social, economic, human rights, and development issues, with a strong emphasis on public education and dissemination.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Main Grant Programme: £1,000 - £5,000

• Applications considered twice yearly (April 1 and October 1 deadlines)
• Decisions communicated by June 1 and December 1 respectively
• Supports academic and investigative research on arms trade issues
• Requires detailed dissemination plans

Small Grants Programme: Under £500

• Rolling applications accepted at any time
• Faster decision process for smaller projects

Historical Grant Range: TREAT has awarded grants from £250 to £45,000, with the larger amounts typically going to multi-year funding arrangements or major research projects.

Priority Areas

TREAT trustees specifically look for:

• Academic or investigative research on arms trade issues, including the relationship between the arms trade and:
• Social impacts
• Economic impacts
• Human rights issues
• Development issues

• Publication and dissemination of research results through:
• Written materials
• Visual media
• Audio content
• Other educational formats that reach a wider public

• Research that fills gaps in current knowledge about the arms trade

• Projects with clear educational value that contribute to public understanding

What They Don't Fund

• General appeals
• Deficit funding
• Ongoing projects (must be new research or activities)
• Projects without clear dissemination plans
• Work unrelated to arms trade research and education

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Governance and Leadership

TREAT is governed by five trustees who bring considerable expertise to the charity's mission:

Jon Nott (Secretary, appointed November 2020) - Serves as the primary contact for grant applications and administrative matters.

Anna Stavrianakis (appointed March 2012) - Professor of International Relations at the University of Sussex and Director of Research and Strategy at Shadow World Investigations. Author of “Taking Aim at the Arms Trade” and a leading academic voice on arms control and militarism. She has argued that “the arms trade is central to the dynamics of violence, inequality, power, and global order.”

Nicholas Gilby (appointed February 2015) - Arms trade corruption specialist and author of "Deception in High Places: A History of Bribery in Britain's Arms Trade“ (Pluto, 2014) and ”The No-Nonsense Guide to the Arms Trade." Led CAAT's efforts to expose corruption in Britain's arms deals with Saudi Arabia. His research, based on government archives and Freedom of Information requests, has featured in The Guardian, BBC Newsnight, and Al Jazeera.

Helen Close (appointed April 2015) - Trustee with governance experience supporting the charity's mission.

Chris Cole - Founder of Drone Wars UK, author of numerous reports on armed drones, and former Vice-Chair of Pax Christi. He has submitted evidence to various Parliamentary Committees on drone use and is regularly invited to speak at conferences and media on drones, targeted killing, and remote warfare.

No trustees receive remuneration from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via email to the Secretary, Jon Nott, at jon@caat.org.uk.

Application Requirements:

1. Organization Details: Name, registration information, and background
2. Project Purpose and Objectives: Clear explanation of how the proposal meets TREAT's objectives of promoting research and education on the arms trade
3. Research Gap Analysis: Demonstration of how the project fills a gap in current knowledge or understanding
4. Methodology: Description of research methods and sources to be used
5. Ethical Considerations: Any relevant ethical issues addressed
6. Detailed Budget: Itemized breakdown of costs
7. Dissemination Plans: Specific plans for publication or other means of educating a wider public
8. CAAT Liaison: Applicants are encouraged to liaise with the Campaign Against Arms Trade where relevant

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadlines: April 1 and October 1 (for grants £500+)
• Decision Notification: By June 1 and December 1 respectively
• Decision Time: Approximately 2 months from deadline to notification
• Decisions: Usually communicated by email
• Small Grants (under £500): Can be applied for at any time with faster turnaround

An annual meeting is held in London where grant decisions are finalized.

Success Rates

TREAT typically makes 5-7 grants per year. The charity does not publicly disclose application numbers or success rates. Given the specialized nature of arms trade research and the relatively small number of grants awarded, competition is likely significant.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is stated in publicly available materials. Applicants are advised to contact the Secretary for guidance on reapplication after unsuccessful applications.

Application Success Factors

Based on TREAT's stated priorities and historical grant-making patterns, successful applications demonstrate:

1. Strong Research Credentials

TREAT trustees explicitly state they look for “academic or other investigative research.” Many successful grants have gone to established academics and experienced researchers. Having prior publications or investigative journalism experience strengthens applications.

2. Clear Connection to Arms Trade Issues

Successful projects directly address arms trade topics, including:

• Arms company research and monitoring (e.g., grants to Corporate Watch for arms companies research)
• Arms export policy and regulation
• Corruption and bribery in arms deals
• Military technology impacts on civilians
• Arms trade political influence

3. Comprehensive Dissemination Plans

The charity's dual objectives—research AND dissemination—mean applications must clearly explain how findings will reach and educate a wider public. Successful grants have supported:

• Books and academic publications
• Web-based resources and browsers
• Educational materials
• Conference presentations
• Public opinion research

4. Fills a Knowledge Gap

Trustees specifically want to see “how your proposal would help fill a gap in research or understanding.” Applications should articulate what new knowledge will be generated and why it matters.

5. Reasonable and Justified Budget

With typical grants of £1,000-£5,000, applications should demonstrate value for money. Very large requests (above £15,000) have been reserved for multi-year commitments to core partners like CAAT.

6. Alignment with CAAT's Mission

While TREAT is an independent charity, applicants are “encouraged to liaise with the Campaign Against Arms Trade.” Understanding CAAT's current priorities and demonstrating complementary work can strengthen applications.

7. Examples of Funded Research Topics

• Political influence browsers tracking arms industry connections
• Investigation of arms companies supplying specific conflicts
• Historical research on corruption in arms deals requiring libel checking
• Analysis of military technology effects on civilians (e.g., Gaza research)
• European-level coordination of arms trade research networks
• Books on arms trade regulation history
• Public opinion polling on arms exports

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Specialize or have credentials: TREAT trustees seek academic or investigative research expertise—demonstrate your qualifications and track record in arms trade issues or related fields
• Balance research with dissemination: Equal weight is given to generating new knowledge and educating the public—both must be thoroughly addressed in applications
• Think strategically about timing: With only two deadlines per year, plan ahead and ensure your application is complete by April 1 or October 1
• Consider liaison with CAAT: Reaching out to the Campaign Against Arms Trade before applying can help align your project with current priorities and strengthen your application
• Small grants offer flexibility: If you need under £500, the rolling application process allows for faster decisions and more flexible timing
• Emphasize the gap: Clearly articulate what's not known or understood that your research will reveal—trustees specifically want research that fills gaps
• Be realistic about funding: With typical grants of £1,000-£5,000, larger projects may need multiple funders or phased approaches

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Settlement
• THE TRUEMARK TRUST
• The Pilgrim Trust
• Newby Trust Limited
• THE G C GIBSON CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust
• ACTION MEDICAL RESEARCH
• MONDAY CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Lewin Trust
• Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust

References

• TREAT official website: https://treat-research.org.uk/
• TREAT Grant Applications page: https://treat-research.org.uk/grant-applications/
• TREAT Grants Awarded page: https://treat-research.org.uk/grants-awarded/
• Charity Commission Register: Trust for Research and Education on the Arms Trade (TREAT), Charity No. 328694, https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/328694/full-print
• CAAT - TREAT information page: https://caat.org.uk/donate/trust-for-research-and-education-on-the-arms-trade-treat/
• Drone Wars UK team page: https://dronewars.net/the-drone-wars-team/ (Chris Cole profile
• University of Sussex staff profile: Anna Stavrianakis, https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p200527-anna-stavrianakis
• Pluto Press author page: Nicholas Gilby, https://www.plutobooks.com/author/nicholas-gilby/