Civil Liberties Trust

Could Civil Liberties Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Applications: Existing partners only
Decisions: Once per year

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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libertyhumanrights.org.uk

About Civil Liberties Trust

The Civil Liberties Trust, established in 1993, is a registered UK charity that serves as the dedicated funding vehicle to advance human rights and civil liberties, primarily in England and Wales with occasional UK-wide reach. Created to support the charitable arm of Liberty (the National Council for Civil Liberties), it enables Liberty's political campaigning while confining itself to lawful charitable activities such as research, policy work, litigation, education, and legal advice. Its mission is to foster a society where rights are universally respected, emphasising equality, rule of law, access to justice, and protection for the vulnerable through evidence-based efforts that eliminate infringements and drive systemic reform.

What Civil Liberties Trust funds

The Trust funds high-impact work addressing privacy and surveillance, freedom of expression, protest rights, equality and anti-discrimination, criminal justice, policing, immigration and detention, data protection, and challenges to unjust laws. It supports activities such as strategic litigation, research reports, public legal education, and advice services, all commissioned mainly through Liberty for broad national influence. The work is primarily focused on England and Wales, with occasional UK-wide reach.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities. The Trust prioritises beneficiaries at high risk—migrants, detainees, protesters, minority communities, and those facing discrimination or justice barriers. It does not accept unsolicited applications and principally funds Liberty; rare exceptions require prior enquiry and Board review for work aligning closely with its mission that Liberty cannot undertake. No income thresholds are specified, but support targets established organisations delivering structural change.

What Civil Liberties Trust doesn't fund

The Trust offers no open rounds, project/capital/unrestricted grants, or funding outside Liberty-aligned strands. It focuses exclusively on charitable public-benefit activities for lasting policy and legal impact rather than general sector support.

How much does Civil Liberties Trust give?

Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Civil Liberties Trust’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Ethnic minorities

How to apply to Civil Liberties Trust

Civil Liberties Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.

A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
Decisions are typically once per year.

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Civil Liberties Trust.
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Civil Liberties Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Civil Liberties Trust provide?

Grant amounts vary. Contact Civil Liberties Trust directly for current funding levels.

Where does Civil Liberties Trust fund charities?

Civil Liberties Trust funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Civil Liberties Trust accept unsolicited applications?

Civil Liberties Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Civil Liberties Trust?

Civil Liberties Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.