John Ellerman Foundation
Could John Ellerman Foundation fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- Up to £180,000
- Where they fund
- uk, uk_overseas_territories
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Two-stage application
- Decisions
- Bi monthly
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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ellerman.org.ukAbout John Ellerman Foundation
The John Ellerman Foundation is an independent UK grantmaker that supports charitable organisations committed to ensuring the rights of people, society and the natural world for current and future generations. They take a strategic, trust-based approach to funding, prioritising multi-year core costs and organisational strengthening. The Foundation was established in 1971 by John Reeves Ellerman. Their work is guided by values of transparency, accountability, environmental sustainability, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
What John Ellerman Foundation funds
They fund work across environment, community development, poverty and hardship, mental health, education and skills, employment, and arts and culture. Grants can cover core costs, salaries, training, and research. The Foundation supports charitable organisations working UK-wide and, through a separate fund, also supports environmental work in the UK Overseas Territories. Their focus is on strategic, high-impact interventions that address root causes of disadvantage.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are registered charities, community interest companies, community benefit societies, and social enterprises. They do not support individuals, schools, or faith groups. Beneficiaries include the general public, ethnic minority communities, and disabled people. The Foundation welcomes unsolicited applications from UK-based organisations. They prioritise organisations whose core mission aligns with ensuring the rights of people, society, and the natural world.
What John Ellerman Foundation doesn't fund
The Foundation does not fund capital works, events, or work focused on animals, disability, domestic abuse, homelessness, criminal justice, armed forces, carers, refugees or migrants, faith, or sport and recreation. They also do not fund individuals, schools, or faith groups.
How they like to fund
The Foundation favours flexible, multi-year partnerships that address root causes of disadvantage. They provide funding for core costs, salaries, training, and research. They take a trust-based approach, prioritising organisational strengthening and long-term impact. They welcome unsolicited applications.
How much does John Ellerman Foundation give?
John Ellerman Foundation runs 2 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 43 sourced facts
- Two-stage process
- Decisions in ~10 weeks
- Multi-year funding
- Online application form
- Multi-year funding
Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.
What John Ellerman Foundation funds — and what they won't
We want to support charitable organisations that at their core are committed to ensuring the rights of people, society and the natural world for current and future generations.
The full exclusions list (1)
- educational projects
Good to know
How to apply to John Ellerman Foundation
John Ellerman Foundation takes applications via two-stage application.
- Published programme route: two-stage process.
- Decisions are typically bi monthly.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
What John Ellerman Foundation's application asks
We hold the 22 questions from John Ellerman Foundation's application form, word for word — so you know exactly what you're signing up to answer.
“Organisation Name”
“Organisation Legal Name if Different”
20 more questions from their form, plus answers drafted from your charity's real data if you decide to apply.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if John Ellerman Foundation could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does John Ellerman Foundation provide?
John Ellerman Foundation runs 2 grant programmes — Main Grants programme (2025-2030 strategy): Up to £180,000 · UK Overseas Territories Fund: £10,000 – £150,000.
Where does John Ellerman Foundation fund charities?
John Ellerman Foundation funds charities operating in uk, uk_overseas_territories.
Does John Ellerman Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
John Ellerman Foundation accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
What does John Ellerman Foundation not fund?
Their published exclusions include: educational projects. The full exclusions list is further up this page.
How do I apply for funding from John Ellerman Foundation?
John Ellerman Foundation takes applications via two-stage application. Published programme route: two-stage process.
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Could John Ellerman Foundation be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.