Association of Jewish Refugees

The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR), founded in 1941 by Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution, is the UK's specialist nationwide charity dedicated to supporting Holocaust survivors, refugees, and their descendants (Second and Third Generations) living in Great Britain. Its mission emphasizes welfare, mental health, social care, Holocaust education, commemoration, and research, guided by core values of dignity, compassion, remembrance, and education. AJR uniquely blends direct humanitarian services—like homecare, financial aid, meals-on-wheels, volunteer support, and reparations guidance—with investments in preserving testimony through its Refugee Voices archive, UK Holocaust Map, and Memorial Books, fostering multi-generational legacy and independence.

AJR funds Holocaust-specific projects, including education curricula, events, exhibitions, oral history archiving, and research by UK schools, universities, museums, and community groups. It prioritizes initiatives engaging survivors' stories and historical links, supporting beneficiaries affected by Nazi oppression nationwide via over 40 regional groups.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, academic institutions, or community groups (no individuals or for-profits) with no income thresholds but a preference for those securing matched funding (AJR covers up to 50% of costs). Grants range from £5,000–£25,000 annually, with multi-year awards up to £60,000–£75,000 possible for three years. Applications via online portal or email align with fixed deadlines: 15 April, 15 August, 15 December; trustees decide quarterly within three months.

AJR excludes core operating costs, capital unless project-tied, or projects lacking Holocaust ties (e.g., unrelated present-day issues). Its distinctive dual focus on survivor welfare and educational remembrance sets it apart as a deeply specialized funder committed to historical responsibility and strategic impact.