Other funders

The following funders support similar work to Edge Fund, although tend to fund more formally set up groups (eg constituted or registered charity) and work that is considered ‘charitable’ (eg many would not support politically motivated / campaign groups but may support campaigns of registered charities).

Listing here is not an endorsement from Edge Fund, please be sure to research these funds before applying. If you know of more resources to share, or something here is out of date, please let us know!

  • AB Charitable Trust supports registered charities working where human dignity is imperilled and where there are opportunities for human dignity to be affirmed. Applications are particularly welcomed from charities working to support: refugees and asylum seekers, prisoners, older people and people with mental health problems. Tend not to support groups with an income less than £150,000 or greater than £1,500,000.

  • Allen Lane Foundation supports asylum-seekers and refugees (but not groups working with a single nationality), Gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender people, Gypsies and Travellers, Migrant workers, Offenders and ex-offenders, Older people, People experiencing mental health problems and People experiencing violence or abuse.Your organisation does not need to be a registered charity – the Foundation also funds other organisations which are not charities but which seek funding for a charitable project.

  • Andrew Wainwright Reform Trust prioritises grants for political and pressure group work with a wide-ranging remit, striving for a just and democratic society, redressing political and social injustices. Does not fund charities.

  • The general objectives of Barry Amiel and Norman Melburn Trust are to advance public education, learning and knowledge in all aspects of the philosophy of Marxism, the history of socialism, and the working- class movement. Funds a variety of projects which include conferences, seminars, publications, research, archiving, translations, art and culture projects and documentaries. The Trust funds both national and international projects.

  • Black Funding Network uses the same format as The Funding Network. It supports charitable projects through a live crowdfunding process. You need to be sponsored by a BFN member.

  • Baring Foundation's aim is to improve the quality of life of people suffering disadvantage and discrimination. They aim to achieve this through making grants to strengthen voluntary sector organisations which serve them directly or indirectly. From 2012 to 2015, the Strengthening the Voluntary Sector programme will focus on the legal advice sector. This reflects the Foundation’s on-going commitment to supporting an effective system of social welfare law services. The programme is called Future Advice and has two strands. The first is the Providers Fund. This helps advice organisations to develop and implement ideas for restructuring and organisational development that will put agencies on a more sustainable footing.

  • Bromley Trust aims to; Combat violations of human rights and help victims of torture, refugees from oppression and those who have been falsely imprisoned; to help those who have suffered severe bodily or mental hurt through no fault of their own and if need be help their dependents; to try in some small way to offset man’s inhumanity to man; promote Prison Reform within the United Kingdom with particular emphasis on the reduction of re-offending and oppose the extinction of the world’s fauna and flora and the destruction of the environment for wildlife and for mankind worldwide. UK-registered charities only.

  • Bristol Redistro's core aim is to challenge the unfair power structures that cause inequality and injustice, and to create positive alternatives. To do this they raise money to support the struggles, fights, campaigns and projects of groups and communities facing discrimination (due to their class, ability, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexuality, age, immigration status or other factors) who are therefore most affected by these power structures.

  • Carnegie UK Trust seeks to improve the lives and well-being of people throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland through influencing public policy and demonstrating innovative practice.

  • Co-operative Local Community Fund :between £100 and £2,000 are awarded to community, voluntary, or self-help groups. To be successful, a group must carry out positive work in the community and a project must: address a community issue; provide a good long-term benefit to the community; support co-operative values and principles ideally be innovative in its approach.

  • Clore Duffield Foundation concentrates its support on education, the arts, museum and gallery education, health, social care and disability, placing a particular emphasis on supporting children, young people and more vulnerable people such as learning disabled people.

  • Edith M Ellis 1985 Charitable Trust work with asylum seekers and refugees, community development, international peace and conflict resolution, interfaith and ecumenical understanding. Grants of up to £3,000 to organsations with a turnover of less than £250,000. Also interest free loans.

  • Comic Relief support includes young people and mental health, sexually exploited and trafficked young people, domestic and sexual abuse, refugee and asylum seeking women, young people and alcohol. Programmes are currently being reviewed. They support a variety of groups, as a minimum you should have a constitution and bank account.

  • Esmee Fairbairn: Arts (preservation and use of nationally significant collections to encouraging innovative new projects), education and learning (practical solutions to help disadvantaged people), environment (nature conservation and work that addresses sustainability and wider environmental issues, such as climate change) food (food and in its impact on people, communities and the wider environment), social change (addressing the needs of people in society who suffer the effects of institutional injustice or those who have not enjoyed the kinds of opportunities in life that many of us take for granted). They fund registered charities and other forms of organisations – however, when funding non-registered charities they would still expect the work to fall within the definition of what is charitable. When funding non-registered charities, we also need to see a copy of the applicant organisation’s constitution.

  • Eleanor Rathbone Charitable Trust supports charities benefiting women, girls, young people and families, who are economically deprived and/or socially excluded; Unpopular and neglected causes. Particularly interested in supporting groups in Merseyside.

  • Evan Cornish Foundation has a preference for Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, the Evan Cornish Foundation supports work in the areas of social and economic inequality, human rights, education, health, prisons and the elderly.

  • Funderbirds funds projects which empower and support women attempting to redress social inequality. Aim is to fund projects that will work towards creating self reliance, safety and well-being for women.

  • The Funding Network  supports charitable projects through a live crowdfunding process. They support projects which: address issues of inequality and disadvantage; create advocacy, campaigning or dissemination with the potential to change society for the better; wish to change attitudes, behaviour, laws and public policy; attempt to find a new/better solution to an underlying problem; focus on personal development to change the way beneficiaries act and live and pilot solutions with the potential for expansion to support many more people. You need to be sponsored by a TFN member. See also the Black Funding Network, same format, run by and for people of colour.

  • Hadley Trust's objects are primarily to assist in creating opportunities for people who are disadvantaged as a result of environmental, educational or economic circumstances, or physical or other disability, to improve their situation, either by direct financial assistance, involvement in project and support work or research into the causes of, and means to alleviate, hardship.

  • Garfield Weston supports a wide range of charitable projects, except animal welfare. From small community groups, to large national institutions, the Foundation’s aim is to support organisations that have effective solutions to helping those most in need.

  • Henry Smith Trust run projects that address social inequality and economic disadvantage. Programme areas include: BME, LGBT, disability, drug/substance misuse, domestic/sexual violence, healthcare, homelessness, mental health, offenders, prostitution, trafficking, refugees and asylum seekers, holiday grants for children. Priority is given to work that tackles problems in areas of high deprivation.

  • Jack and Ada Beattie Foundation aims to support the marginalised and vulnerable in the Midlands and London facing social injustice and inequality. We are interested in fighting the corner of those we see as less able to defend themselves, and supporting the flight of ambition for whom it is prevented. 

  • Hilden Charitable Trust  funding is available to charities in the UK and non-governmental organisations in the developing world. In the UK, the Fund supports projects concerned with: homelessness; asylum seekers and refugees; community-based initiatives for young people aged 16-25 and penal/prison reform. In the developing world, the Fund supports projects concerned with: community development; education; and health.

  • Jill Franklin Trust grants are typically £500 to £1000, and the trust has four areas in which it is soliciting grant applications: 1. Self-Help groups (advice, training, and employment; to support learning disabled people or those with a mental illness, and their carers (parents etc.); 2. Respite care, and holidays (in the UK only).  Grants for holidays are only given where there is a large element of respite care and only to registered charities, not to individuals. 3. Organisations helping and supporting refugees and asylum seekers coming to or are in the UK. 4. The restoration (not ‘improvement’) of  churches of architectural importance and occasionally to other buildings of architectural importance.

  • John Moores Foundation aim to enable people who face barriers, as a result of social, educational, physical, economic, cultural, geographical factors. They support local community groups/projects in disadvantaged areas run by and for local people, including support and self-help groups, tenants’ associations, and community action; projects run by and for people from black and minority ethnic communities, including travellers and migrant workers; projects to support refugees, women, young people, homeless people and disabled people. In all cases they expect groups to be led by the people who will directly benefit from the work. They focus on funding projects based in Merseyside (including Skelmersdale, Halton, and Ellesmere Port) and Northern Ireland.

  • Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust is a Quaker trust which seeks to transform the world by supporting people who address the root causes of conflict and injustice. Programme include; peace, racial justice and power and responsibility. They can only fund work that is legally charitable, but as long as this is the case grants can be made to individuals or to other organisations other than registered charities.

  • Lankelly Chase Foundation exists to bring about change that will transform the quality of life of people who face severe and multiple disadvantage, such as homelessness, substance misuse, mental and physical illness, extreme poverty, and violence and abuse. Focusing on work that promotes people’s voice, power and rights and systemic change; has funded Edge!

  • Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust funds political campaigns in the UK to promote democratic reform, civil liberties and social justice.

  • Local Trust  enables people to make their communities better places to live by helping them develop and use their skills and confidence to identify what matters most to them, and to take action to change things for the better, now and in the future.

  • Lipman-Miliband Trust: ‘One of the very few charities able to respond to the needs of those engaged in socialist education. We encourage new work within this broad field, taking into consideration new areas of cultural and political work in institutions of learning but also in community organisations and among NGOs.’

  • Lloyds TSB Foundation: ‘We fund small and local charities, investing in their work helping people overcome complex social issues across England and Wales. We support charities with an annual income of £25,000 to £1 million with a proven track record of helping people on a journey of positive change through in-depth, holistic and person-centred support. We offer unrestricted funding, including around core costs, and tailored development support to help your charity be more effective.

    We support charities with an annual income of between £25,000 and £1 million with a strong track record of helping people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities overcome complex social issues. We offer a two-year unrestricted grant of £50,000 alongside development support to help your charity navigate change.’

  • Network for Social Change a group of individuals providing funding for progressive social change, particularly in the areas of justice, peace and the environment. They have a charity arm and a non-charitable arm. There isn’t a public application procedure, but there is a Project Noticeboard where groups can post their proposals, which may get taken up by NSC members.

  • Lush is a cosmetics company funding grassroots campaign groups around the world working in the areas of environment, human rights and animal protection.

  • Norda Trust charity helps people in disadvantaged areas to succeed by working for themselves. In Cornwall we have supported the creation of two successful workhubs, set up a Cornwall-wide directory for micros/freelancers and intensively helped micros to expand with our Launchbox project.

  • Oak Foundation addresses issues of global, social and environmental concern, particularly those that have a major impact on the lives of the disadvantaged. Focus on addressing root causes. Programmes include: Issues Affecting Women, Child Abuse, Housing and Homelessness, International Human Rights, Learning Difference and Environment (particularly marine and climate change).

  • National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA): A network of 350 Councils for Voluntary Service (CVS) which help local community groups in setting up, running and funding their work. Most of them have funding advisors that provide training, one-to-one advice on how to raise money and a funding alert service. Find your local office on the NAVCA website. Some local councils have funding advisors too. Also contact your local NAVCA branch (as above).

  • National Lottery Community Fund: ‘We award money raised by National Lottery players to fund great ideas that help communities to thrive. Groups can apply to us for funding under £10,000, or over £10,000, depending on what they want to do.’

    Keen to fund community projects aimed at developing skills, improving health, revitalising the local environment and enabling people to become more active citizens. Decision in 8 weeks. You can apply at any time.

  • Odin Charitable Trust - In addition to supporting a wide range of charitable organisations, the Trustees have resolved to give preference to charities which further the arts; provide care for people who are disabled and disadvantaged, supporting hospices, the homeless, prisoner’s families, refugees, gypsies and ‘tribal groups’ and furthering research into false memories and dyslexia.

  • Ormiston Children and Families Trust's  vision is of a society where every child and young person feels valued, safe and free from prejudice, isolation and stigma. Focus on: community services for isolated and vulnerable children, young people and families; children and families affected by imprisonment; emotional well-being of children and young people and Gypsy and Traveller communities.

  • Patagonia: ‘We support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities.’

  • Pears Foundation is a family foundation rooted in Jewish values concerned with positive identity and citizenship. They promote citizenship and a positive contribution to British society. They invest in programmes that build respect and understanding between people of different backgrounds. They invest in organisations that tackle social exclusion and support marginalised groups.

  • Paul Hamlyn Foundation helps people to realise their potential and enjoy a better quality of life, now and in the future, including Social Justice programme seeks to integrate marginalised young people at times of transition.

  • Persula Foundation offers funding for general charitable purposes with a current focus on disability, homelessness, human rights and animal welfare. They try to support original projects in areas of the community with most need. Topics have included research on drones, prison reform, LGBT rights and humane slaughter.

  • Percy Bilton Charity funding is available to UK registered charities with primary objectives to assist one or more of the following groups: disadvantaged/underprivileged young people (persons under 25); people with disabilities (physical or learning disabilities or mental health problems); older people (aged over 60).

  • Pilgrim Trust's social Welfare programme aims to break cycles of dependency and to help develop a sense of social inclusion in disadvantaged or marginalised groups within the UK. In this category they concentrate our grant-giving activities to projects that support people who misuse drugs and alcohol (including substance misusers with complex social needs, eg domestic violence, care for children, prostitution, or homelessness) and projects that seek to reduce the use of custody for women (including work with women with extreme vulnerabilities which are likely to lead to offending and projects that seek to support women who are leaving custody and that assist them to reintegrate with society and their families). Funding for UK registered charities, organisations that are exempt from registration, recognised public bodies and registered Friendly Societies.

  • Peter De Haan Charitable Trust grants are awarded to organisations that provide opportunities to take part in the arts in educational and community settings, especially for people or groups with limited access to the arts.

  • Polden Puckham Charitable Foundation aim to contribute to the development of a just society based on a commitment to nonviolence and environmental sustainability. They support projects that seek to influence values and attitudes, promote equity and social justice, and develop radical alternatives to current economic and social structures. Programme areas include Peace and Sustainable Security and Environmental Sustainability. They only support practical projects when they are clearly of a pioneering nature, with potential for influencing UK national policy. The work you propose to carry out must be clearly charitable according to UK law.

  • Rayne Foundation grants are available to charities in the UK in support of work of national importance which helps society’s most vulnerable or disadvantaged individuals, especially children, young people and the elderly. Areas of interest include arts, education, health/medicine and social welfare and development.

  • Roddick Foundation  is a progressive organisation dedicated to supporting visionary individuals and organisations who show leadership and result in making this a more just and kind world, programme areas of social, labour and environmental justice and human rights.

  • Resourcing Racial Justice fund is a coalition of people of colour (POC) innovators, change makers, activists, artists and social leaders dedicated to social change. They have established a new UK wide-funding pool to support individuals and communities working towards racial justice. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial support to individuals and organisations that are working to redress the impact of COVID-19 and beyond on those who identify as black, indigenous, or people of colour (BIPOC).

  • Scrurrah Wainwright Trust supports a wide range of charitable projects with an emphasis on social reform and tackling the root causes of social inequity. Trustees give priority to applicants working in the Yorkshire region.  It funds innovative, hard to fund work directed at root causes in the field of social reform.

  • Sheepdrove Trust supports initiatives which increase sustainability, biodiversity and organic farming, for example research into organic seed production and nutrition. The trust also supports specific work in educational research and spiritual care for the living and dying.

  • Rosa Fund for Women supports initiatives that benefit women and girls in the UK. The four issues they work on are: safety, economic justice, health and well-being and leadership and representation.

  • Sigrid Rausing Trust run nine different programmes: Strengthening the Human Rights Field; Detention, Torture and Death Penalty; Defending Civic Space; Transitional Justice; Women's Rights; LGBTI Rights; Xenophobia and Intolerance; Transparency and Accountability; Arts Conservation. They do not accept unsolicited applications.

  • Sir Halley Stewart Trust promotes a just environment and international good will by supporting innovative medical, social, educational and religious projects. Social causes of interest include unemployment, crime, imprisonment, homelessness, migration and mental health problems. Grants are normally given for salaries. UK registered charities only.

  • Strategic Legal Fund for Vulnerable Young Migrants (SLF) is a fund to support legal work that goes beyond securing justice for an individual and makes a significant contribution to law, practice and procedures to uphold and promote the rights of vulnerable migrant children and young people more generally. The SLF aims to tackle injustices and inconsistencies in law and practice that disadvantage or discriminate against vulnerable young migrants as a result of their migration status.

  • Staples Trust trustees initiate most of the proposals to be considered and tend not to accept unsolicited applications. They make grants under the following headings: gender issues – domestic violence, women’s rights and gender studies; overseas projects which support the rights of indigenous people; charities which defend human rights and civil liberties.

  • Trusthouse Charitable Foundation funds projects addressing Rural Issues and Urban Deprivation within the themes of Community Support (carers, financial exclusion, projects in deprived areas, drugs and alcohol,elderly, ex-offenders, young people) Disability and Healthcare and Arts, Education and Heritage. They accept applications from social enterprises, self-help groups and other similar not-for-profit organisations. You can apply at any time.

  • Trust for London  funds work which tackles poverty and inequality in the capital. They support work providing greater insights into the root causes of London’s social problems and how they can be overcome; activities which help people improve their lives; and work empowering Londoners to influence and change policy, practice and public attitudes.

  • Terre Humaine supporting the work of associations defending the environment; based in Switzerland.

  • Unbound Philanthropy is a private grantmaking foundation dedicated to ensuring that migrants, refugees, and their families are treated with respect and dignity; are able to contribute fully in their new communities; and can ultimately thrive in a society that is comfortable with the diversity and opportunity that immigration brings.

  • Tudor Trust wants to help smaller, community-led groups which are supporting people at the margins of society. They have a focus on building stronger communities by overcoming isolation and fragmentation and encouraging inclusion, connection and integration and organisations which are embedded in and have developed out of their community – whether the local area or a ‘community of interest’. They also look for organisations which are thoughtful in their use of resources and which foster community resilience in the face of environmental, economic or social change. You can apply at any time.

  • UK Community Foundations are a national network of community foundations, bringing together people and organisations that want to improve their communities. Community foundations are local champions, connecting people and organisations that want to improve their communities. Community foundations provide help and advice to those who want to give at the heart of their communities, both now and in the long-term. They match donors and partners to important local causes.

  • Uplift's mission is to support and energise the movement for a just and fossil fuel-free UK. We strategically resource, connect, and elevate ideas and voices to set in motion a just transition away from fossil fuel production that is commensurate with the scale of the climate crisis. We put equity and justice at the heart of everything we do.

  • XminY Solidarity Fund is an independent and progressive funding organisation based in The Netherlands  that has been supporting social movements and organisations all over the world for over 40 years.

  • Woodward Charitable Trust awards grant funding to small-scale, locally-based charitable initiatives in the UK in the following areas: children and young people; minority groups including refugees, gypsies and travellers; prisoners and ex-offenders; disability; homelessness; arts outreach; and environmental projects.