John Ellerman Foundation

The John Ellerman Foundation, established in 1971 by John Reeves Ellerman with wealth from shipping, brewing, and other industries—acknowledging its historical ethical complexities—is an independent UK grantmaker dedicated to advancing the wellbeing of people, society, and the natural world. Guided by values of transparency, accountability, environmental sustainability, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, it adopts a generalist yet strategic approach, emphasizing ESG-led investments, redress of systemic injustices, and trust-based, flexible partnerships to foster long-term impact through robust governance and organizational strengthening.

It prioritizes nationally significant work in three areas: arts (museums, galleries, cultural engagement, e.g., National Theatre of Scotland); environment (land/marine conservation, including UK Overseas Territories); and social welfare (systemic change for vulnerable, marginalized groups addressing poverty and inequality). Funding supports multi-year core costs like salaries, training, ICT, evaluation, and research, favoring interventions that tackle root causes of disadvantage for people and nature.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, CICs with asset locks, or fiscally hosted entities with incomes of £100,000–£10 million, based in the UK with national or regional impact (UK-wide or Overseas Territories for environment). The two-stage process accepts unsolicited applications rolling via online portal: Stage 1 (two-page EOI, org summary, finances, DEI data) reviewed monthly; Stage 2 (detailed proposal, meeting) decided bi-monthly by Board, with feedback in 4–10 weeks. Grants range up to £180,000 over 1–5 years (max £60,000/year, typically 3–5 years).

Distinctively, it avoids capital projects, endowments, or restricted funding unless tied to core/organizational development, while pioneering diversity initiatives like board shadowing and emphasizing strategic, high-impact charities for enduring sector leadership.