Resolution Trust

Resolution Trust, founded by Sir Clive Cowdery as the not-for-profit arm of the Resolution Group, serves as a catalyst, convenor, and sponsor for non-partisan, evidence-based initiatives tackling long-term social and economic challenges neglected by short-term political cycles. Its mission centers on advancing shared growth, distributing power more widely, and promoting fairer opportunities through research, analysis, and education in economic and social sciences. Core values emphasize systemic reform, addressing poverty, improving conditions for low- and middle-income groups, and fostering independent journalism via partners like the Resolution Foundation (its flagship grantee) and Prospect Magazine. The Trust prioritizes substantial organizations driving national policy discourse, public understanding, and reforms on inequalities and social mobility.

It funds UK-based medium-to-large charities and think tanks with incomes often exceeding £500,000, focusing on those generating sector-wide impact through robust research, strategic advocacy, thought leadership, and knowledge dissemination—rarely individuals or direct services.

Grants typically range from £50,000 to £2,000,000 annually, with multi-year core funding averaging £500,000–£2,000,000 for major programs; smaller amounts support special initiatives. Applications are strictly invite-only, assessed on a rolling basis by trustees at their discretion, with no public deadlines, forms, or unsolicited submissions.

Distinctive for its high-level, catalytic approach, the Trust avoids grassroots, local delivery, stand-alone projects, or capital costs, instead empowering expert-led efforts that reshape national conversations, strengthen democracy, and deliver enduring economic justice—setting it apart as a strategic backer of influential policy ecosystems.