Grants of between £1,500 and £10,000 are available to UK organisations with an annual income of under £250,000 and (occasionally) individuals who do not qualify for charitable funding because they may be viewed as too radical or political. The Trust supports campaigns to create a more just and democratic society and to redress political and social injustices.
The objectives of the family-based Andrew Wainwright Reform Trust are to work for a just and democratic society and to redress political and social injustices. Although the Trust has a wide-ranging remit for reform, it will prioritise organisations that are ineligible for charitable funding because they are considered too political or radical to come within the Charity Commission’s guidelines. The Trust's approach is similar to that of the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, with which it maintains informal links. The Trust also has close ties to the Scurrah Wainwright Charity.
The Andrew Wainwright Reform Trust will support work undertaken at both regional and national level and may also consider pioneering projects operating on a more local basis that have a potentially wider impact.
The Trust normally gives grants only to groups or organisations, but in very exceptional cases it may consider an application from an individual with proven experience or skill in their chosen field, or it may make a personal award to an individual in support of outstanding commitment and effectiveness relevant to the Trust’s interests.
As a general rule, the Trust provides either specific project funding or start up grants for a limited period to enable campaigns to get off the ground and attract alternative sources of finance.
The Trust’s annual grant budge is normally between £100,000 and £130,000, from which it usually awards grants of between £1,500 and £10,000, with the occasional higher award.
The Trust rarely supports organisations with an annual income and expenditure of over £250,000.
The Trust meet three times a year - in March, July and November. Stage 1 registrations forms must be submitted by 14th January, 14th May or 14th September annually.
The next deadline for application is therefore on Wednesday 14 January 2026 for the Trust's meeting in March 2026. However, please note that this round will open on Sunday 30 November 2025. This is to allow time for the Trust to appoint a new administrator.
Further information, guidance and details about how to apply is available on the Trust's website.