Resolution Trust

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

Typical grants: £50,000 – £2,000,000
Applications: By invitation only
Decisions: Rolling (no fixed deadline)

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

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About Resolution Trust

Resolution Trust is the not-for-profit arm of the Resolution Group, established by Sir Clive Cowdery. It describes itself as a catalyst, convenor and sponsor for non-partisan, evidence-based initiatives that address long-term social and economic challenges often overlooked by short-term political cycles. The Trust's mission centres on advancing shared growth, distributing power more widely, and promoting fairer opportunities through research, analysis and education in the economic and social sciences. Its funding character is strategic and high-level: it backs substantial organisations working on national policy discourse, with grants made by invitation only. Rather than supporting local delivery, the Trust acts as a behind-the-scenes enabler of expert-led work that reshapes public understanding and strengthens democracy.

What Resolution Trust funds

The Trust funds work that influences national policy and public debate on issues such as poverty, inequalities and social mobility. It supports research, analysis, strategic advocacy, thought leadership and knowledge dissemination, with a particular interest in improving conditions for low- and middle-income groups. Independent journalism is also part of its remit, including support for partners such as the Resolution Foundation and Prospect Magazine. Funding is typically directed at UK-based organisations, with multi-year core funding for major programmes and smaller sums for special initiatives. The Trust is a strategic backer of the wider policy ecosystem rather than a funder of direct service delivery.

Who can apply

The Trust works with UK-based medium-to-large charities and think tanks that are well established and able to generate sector-wide impact. It looks for substantial organisations leading national policy discourse on inequalities and social mobility, with strong research and advocacy capacity. The ultimate beneficiaries are low- and middle-income groups, and people experiencing poverty or disadvantage. The Trust rarely funds individuals or direct-service providers. While there is no religious restriction, applicants should be aware that the Trust operates strictly by invitation, so unsolicited approaches are not part of its process.

What Resolution Trust doesn't fund

The Trust does not fund grassroots or local delivery, stand-alone projects, capital costs, or direct service provision. It also rarely supports individuals. Its focus is on high-level, strategic work, so smaller community-level initiatives are unlikely to fit.

How they like to fund

Resolution Trust makes grants on a strictly invite-only basis and does not accept unsolicited applications. It favours multi-year core funding for major programmes, complemented by smaller grants for special initiatives. The Trust's style is catalytic: it acts as a convenor and sponsor, working alongside influential policy organisations to support research, advocacy and thought leadership that can shift national debate.

How much does Resolution Trust give?

£50,000 – £2,000,000

Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.

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

Poverty & hardship

How to apply to Resolution Trust

Resolution 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 rolling (no fixed deadline).

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Resolution 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 Resolution Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Resolution Trust provide?

Resolution Trust typically provides grants of £50,000 - £2,000,000.

Where does Resolution Trust fund charities?

Resolution Trust funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Resolution Trust accept unsolicited applications?

Resolution Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Resolution Trust?

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