Project grants of up to £15,750 are available to UK charitable organisations and individuals for initiatives that advance public education, learning and knowledge in all aspects of the philosophy of Marxism, the history of socialism, and the working-class movement.
The Barry Amiel and Norman Melburn Trust was founded in 1980 by Norman Melburn and named for his friend and fellow Marxist, the lawyer Barry Amiel. Since Norman Melburn’s death in 1991, both men have been commemorated in the name of the Trust.
The general objectives of the Trust are to advance public education, learning and knowledge in all aspects of the philosophy of Marxism, the history of socialism, and the working-class movement. The Trust, as well as initiating activity or research in pursuit of these objects, is open to applications for project funding (the Trust does not provide grants for core costs). Its objectives can be summarised as advancing public education, learning and knowledge in all aspects of:
- The philosophy of Marxism
- The history of socialism, and
- The working class movement
In addition to the Trust Objectives, the Trust is also working towards the following strategic priority in its funding decisions:
“The Trust will aim to ringfence 50% of funds for applications for projects with a strong focus on popular political education and on engagement with non-academic and non-activist audiences, especially those focused on reaching people and communities across the UK who are likely to face barriers to accessing education, learning and knowledge about the philosophy of Marxism, the history of socialism, the working class movement and other social movements seeking to bring about non-exploitative and egalitarian societies. These barriers could include educational, financial, geographical, or political cultural barriers.”
The following funding is available:
- Regular Awards up to £7,350. These are considered at both of the Trust’s two meetings each year.
- Major Awards for over £7,350 and up to £15,750 are only considered once a year – at the January meeting. Shortlisted Major award applicants are then invited to interview before a final decision at the April trustees meeting.
The Trust has also introduced an Urgent Small Awards scheme. These are awards worth up to £500 for emergencies and are considered on a rolling basis.
Previously funded projects have included:
- The organisation of lectures, discussions, seminars and workshops
- The carrying out of research, written work and publications, and
- The maintenance of libraries and archive material
Examples of other awards are available on the Trust’s website.
The Trust normally opens for applications in May and November. The trust is open for applications when the Apply for an Award page is updated with a submission form.
Further information, guidance, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and details about how to apply can be found on the Trust’s website.