Barrow Cadbury Trust

The Barrow Cadbury Trust, an independent endowed charitable foundation established in 1920 by Quaker philanthropist Barrow Cadbury and his wife Geraldine, is rooted in values of equality, integrity, and tackling root causes of injustice like poverty, crime, and exploitation. With a mission to drive long-term structural and systemic change toward a just, peaceful society, it leverages its endowment, partnerships, and convening power for evidence-based policy influence, distinguishing itself through multi-decade commitments (rarely under 10-15 years), ethical investing (e.g., with Triodos Bank), and transparent governance featuring family trustees with grassroots experience alongside experts.

It prioritizes three themes—Criminal Justice (reducing inequalities for women, ethnic minorities, care leavers, and young people in the UK system), Migration (advocacy for migrant/refugee rights, destitution support, immigration reform), and Economic Justice (focused on Birmingham/Black Country for financial inclusion and ending the poverty premium via Fair By Design)—with cross-cutting emphases on racial, gender, climate, and young adult justice. Funding supports national infrastructure, policy/advocacy organizations, research, coalitions, capacity-building, and core costs, exemplified by grants to Clinks, Migrant Rights Network, and collaborative pooled funds, but not direct services.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and constituted organizations (medium-to-large with strong governance for systemic work; no income thresholds but preference for capable entities), focusing on UK national policy or Birmingham-area local efforts—no overseas work or individuals. Applications are rolling via initial online EOI (response in 10 days), followed by full proposals (up to 4 months to decision), with typical grants of £3,000–£25,000/year (multi-year possible).

Distinctives include amplifying affected voices, co-investing, and avoiding short-term relief, capital, or emergencies, making it ideal for aligned structural justice advocates seeking deep, strategic partnership.