The Edith M Ellis 1985 Charitable Trust operates a modest grant programme that is currently under review. A note on its website states:

“Please note that grant categories are under review, with changes expected during 2024 and 2025.  The first changes can be seen HERE. Further changes are expected and will be posted on the website before the opening date of the next round of grant applications."

The categories listed below followed a review in February 2024, and further changes are expected during 2024 and 2025.

o Quaker work and witness, particularly on work relating to peace.
o Peace-building and conflict resolution.
o Interfaith and ecumenical understanding, and
o Peace work connected with climate breakdown.

The Trust values applications that fulfil more than one of the above criteria. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the following:

o How their ideas will bring about change
o Why they think the approach they are proposing is new and original
o Who will benefit and how, and
o What the expected outcomes of the proposal are.

The Trust’s funding priorities previously focused on supporting a small number of UK registered charities and not-for-profit organisations that have innovative proposals to bring about a more peaceful, just and sustainable world. Organisations that found it difficult to attract funding from other sources tended to be favoured.

Grants were previously awarded against the following categories:

o Climate change mitigation.
o Interfaith and ecumenical understanding.
o Peace-building and conflict resolution.
o Quaker work and witness, and
o Work with forced migrants, including internally displaced people,

During the year ended 5 April 2023, the Trust awarded grants totalling £38,025 (2022: £54,873). Awards ranged from £1,000 to £5,000, with an average grant of slightly over £3,000.

In previous years, the Trust has published a list of grant recipients in its annual accounts. However, this wasn’t the case last year, although grants awarded are provided on the Trust’s website.

Funding is not available for:

 Core funding for organisations.
o Education bursaries.
o General appeals.
o Healthcare, disability and medical support services.
o Humanitarian relief appeals.
o Individuals.
o Infrastructure organisations, or
o Medical research.

Further information, guidance and an online application form is available on the Trust’s website.

The Trust will reopen its grant programme to applications on Monday 11th March 2024 with a deadline for applications of Friday 31st May 2024. The Trustees will attend a grant-making meeting in mid-July and successful applicants will be informed by Wednesday 31st July 2024.

Please note that the Trust likes to receive applications as early as possible during each application window.