Unbound Philanthropy

Unbound Philanthropy is a private, independent foundation established in 2003 by William Reeves and Deborah Berger to advance human rights and social justice for immigrants and refugees, fostering societies where all enjoy dignity, safety, inclusion, and opportunity. Rooted in the belief in intrinsic human dignity, it emphasizes long-term systemic change for migrant justice across the US and UK through collaboration, curiosity, humility, and partnerships with grantees and funders like Esmée Fairbairn and Paul Hamlyn Foundations. Its patient, trust-based approach prioritizes multi-year core funding, low bureaucracy, and amplifying leadership from migrant communities.

The foundation funds initiatives deepening public support for inclusive societies, building campaigns and movements for rights and belonging, and driving legal, policy, and capacity-building for fairer migration systems. Key areas include advancing migrants' rights, combating racism and xenophobia, shifting migration narratives, policy reform, legal advocacy, civic engagement, and community infrastructure. Beneficiaries encompass refugees, asylum seekers, undocumented migrants, and those facing discrimination, with support for grassroots groups like Praxis, Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, Migrants Organise, and coalitions such as Citizens UK and Justice Together Initiative—covering core costs, litigation, leadership development, and pilots.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups based in the UK (focusing on England, London, cities, and national efforts), from small grassroots to established sector leaders, with no income thresholds or religious restrictions. Grants typically range £50,000–£350,000 annually (averaging £100,000–£250,000), often multi-year exceeding £500,000 total, for core, project, capacity, movement-building, or collaborative work.

Unbound accepts no unsolicited applications—invitations stem from field research, networks, and expert referrals, with no deadlines or public forms. It avoids unrelated charity work, favoring migration-focused, anti-racism efforts with systemic impact, distinguished by its transatlantic clarity, narrative/policy synergy, and commitment to durable change via lived-experience leadership.