Barrow Cadbury Trust

The Trust prioritises three themes: Criminal Justice, Migration, and Economic Justice. Criminal Justice funding aims to reduce inequalities for women, ethnic minorities, care leavers, and young people within the UK justice system. Migration work supports advocacy for migrant and refugee rights, destitution support, and immigration reform. Economic Justice focuses on the Birmingham and Black Country area, promoting financial inclusion and ending the poverty premium, for example through the Fair By Design initiative. Cross-cutting emphases include racial, gender, climate, and young adult justice. Funding supports national infrastructure, policy and advocacy organisations, research, coalitions, capacity-building, and core costs. Geographically, the Trust supports UK national policy work and local efforts in Birmingham and the surrounding region.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and constituted community groups. The Trust typically works with medium-to-large organisations that have strong governance and the capacity for systemic change work. There are no strict income thresholds, but preference is given to capable entities focused on either UK national policy or Birmingham-area local efforts. The Trust prioritises organisations that amplify the voices of affected communities, particularly those working with women, ethnic minorities, care leavers, young people, and migrants. Applications are welcome from organisations seeking long-term strategic partnership rather than short-term project funding. The Trust does not fund individuals or overseas work.

The Trust does not fund direct service delivery, short-term relief, capital projects, or emergency appeals. It also does not support work outside the UK or applications from individuals. The focus is on strategic, systemic change rather than immediate or infrastructure needs.

The Trust offers long-term, multi-year grants, often spanning many years, and supports core costs as well as project costs. It welcomes unsolicited applications and works in partnership with grantees, co-investing with other funders where appropriate. The Trust amplifies the voices of affected communities and uses its convening power to support evidence-based policy influence. Its funding style is strategic and collaborative, seeking deep engagement rather than one-off support.