Baring Foundation

The Baring Foundation, an independent London-based charitable foundation established in 1969 as Barings Bank's corporate arm and fully independent since 1995, sustains itself through an endowment to protect and advance human rights, promote inclusion, and strengthen civil society in the UK and internationally. Rooted in values of partnership, evidence-driven impact, and tackling root causes of injustice, it prioritises rights-based approaches, long-term collaborations, and empowering marginalised communities through core funding, capacity building, and sector convening, with transparent grant reporting via 360Giving.

It funds three key programmes: Arts and Mental Health (participatory creative projects for disadvantaged groups, e.g., mental health festivals and care home initiatives); Strengthening Civil Society (human rights advocacy, access to justice, racial injustice, and anti-racism, supporting orgs like Law Centres Network and British Institute of Human Rights); and invitation-only International Development (LGBTI-led groups in sub-Saharan Africa via partners like Pan Africa ILGA). Grants target civil society organisations led by affected communities for advocacy, legal action, and systemic change, with £3 million committed to racial justice over five years.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities with under £1 million annual income and at least one year's accounts, operating UK-wide (England focus for some arts) or in targeted international regions; unsolicited applications accepted for Strengthening Civil Society and Arts programmes. Typical grants range £20,000–£90,000 (up to £200,000 for select arts), via two-stage process: email for eligibility call, then online full application (6-8 weeks to decision). Next deadlines: 11 June 2025 (Racial Injustice) and 17 December 2025 (Arts and Care Homes). Excludes service delivery like individual advice; distinctive for avoiding short-term fixes and fostering grantee-led justice work.