Up to £180,000 for UK Charities Driving Social and Environmental Change
The John Ellerman Foundation provides multi-year core funding to charities working to advance wellbeing for people, society and the natural world across the UK.
Under its new 2025–2030 strategy, the Foundation is focusing on organisations tackling some of the biggest long-term challenges facing society, including climate change, inequality, social division and justice for marginalised communities.
The Foundation is particularly interested in organisations creating systemic change with national relevance and long-term impact.
About the John Ellerman Foundation
Established in 1971, the John Ellerman Foundation is an independent grantmaker supporting charities across the UK.
The Foundation’s current strategy — A Time for Bold Transitions — focuses on responding to interconnected social, economic and environmental challenges through long-term, flexible funding.
Unlike many traditional grant programmes, the Foundation has moved away from strict funding categories and now supports organisations whose work contributes to advancing wellbeing for people, society and the natural world.
The Foundation places strong emphasis on changemaking organisations that are collaborative, evidence-led and rooted in lived experience.
How Much Funding Is Available
Organisations can apply for grants of up to £180,000 over a period of up to five years.
Funding is available for core costs, including:
- Staff salaries and expenses
- Day-to-day operational costs
- Training and organisational development
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Research
- Communications and digital innovation
The maximum grant available is £60,000 per year.
The Foundation offers flexible, long-term funding designed to help organisations strengthen their overall impact and sustainability.
What the Foundation Supports
The Foundation supports organisations whose work contributes to one or more of the following priorities:
- Tackling climate change, pollution and nature loss
- Building trust, connection and participation within society
- Reducing wealth inequality and promoting fairer economic systems
- Advancing equity and justice for marginalised communities
The Foundation is particularly interested in organisations that:
- Influence systems and policy
- Work collaboratively across sectors
- Involve people with lived experience in leadership and decision-making
- Demonstrate strong governance and strategic thinking
- Deliver work with national or UK-wide relevance
Projects and organisations should demonstrate long-term impact rather than short-term activity alone.
Who Is Eligible
To apply, organisations must:
- Be a UK registered non-profit
- Have an annual income between £100,000 and £10 million
- Deliver work with national or UK-wide impact
- Be based in the UK
In some circumstances, CICs with an asset lock or fiscally hosted organisations may also be eligible.
The Foundation does not typically fund:
- Individuals or bursaries
- Capital projects
- General appeals
- Religious promotion
- Curriculum-based educational projects
- Sports-focused organisations
Application Process
The John Ellerman Foundation operates a two-stage application process.
Stage One
Applicants submit an outline proposal through the online portal, including:
- A summary of the organisation
- Details of the work requiring funding
- Financial information and annual accounts
- Information about governance and leadership
Stage Two
Shortlisted organisations are invited to submit a full application with more detailed information about their strategy, impact and financial position.
The Foundation encourages organisations to attend its regular online Q&A sessions or seek pre-application advice before applying.
Funding Timeline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline.
Key points include:
- Applications can be submitted year-round
- Funding is available for between one and five years
- Decision timelines typically range from 12–16 weeks
- Monthly or weekly Q&A sessions are held to support applicants
Because there are no fixed deadlines, organisations are encouraged to apply when their proposal and supporting information are fully prepared.
