racial justice
racial justice fund
criteria
1. Background
The Churches' Commission for Racial Justice (CCRJ) was initiated by the churches of Britain and Ireland in 1992. The Racial Justice Fund demonstrates the Churches' concern for racial justice by making grants to organisations which combat racism and promote good race relations.
2. Aims and concerns of the Racial Justice Fund
CCRJ believes that in the struggle for racial justice, some of the most important work is done by grassroots organisations in local communities. The Racial Justice Fund aims to support this work by means of training, networking, capacity building and funding. It also provides limited funding for groups working at national level for racial justice and black empowerment. The Fund welcomes applications that are directly concerned with racial justice from both Christian and secular organisations, and those of other faiths. It makes resources available particularly to those who are working in its priority areas.
3. Priorities
a) Empowering Christians of colour from both black-majority and traditional churches;
b) Supporting initiatives for community regeneration in disadvantaged multi-racial communities;
c) Exposing and alleviating racism in immigration policy and practice, particularly where that relates to the effects on families;
d) Offering practical and effective advice to vulnerable ethnic communities in fields such as immigration, housing, and social benefits, particularly those which offer a language service and undertake educational or campaigning work to challenge the root causes of their clients' problems;
e) Addressing racial injustice within the criminal justice system;
f) Challenging racism and its effects at a British or Irish level.
4. Types of grants
Local grants are usually between £500 and £2,000, but occasionally to a maximum of £5,000.
National grants are usually between £3,000 and £10,000, but occasionally to a maximum of £15,000.
Grants can cover core running costs, equipment, salaries or special initiatives. Grants above £1,000 are normally paid in two equal instalments about six months apart.
5. Application requirements
Applications must be from a group or organisation, not an individual. The organisation should normally have a constitution and a clear management structure, including black representation. The organisation must follow recognised accounting procedures, produce audited accounts and, where appropriate, publish an annual report and have an active equal opportunities policy.
All applications must demonstrate a direct relevance to the cause of racial justice.
Local level applications
Local organisations applying for funding are expected to become active partners with CCRJ in providing information about themselves and their work, both upon application and on a continuing basis. In return, CCRJ will seek to help each organisation achieve its aims through ongoing support.
Funding decisions are made each year in September and February. Applications received after the closing date will be deferred until the following funding round. (See note on Emergency Grants below)
National level applications
Organisations may apply for national level grants if their application is for an initiative targeted at national policy changes, has a theological or spiritual dimension relating to the whole of society, or a geographical spread across more than one region of Britain or Ireland.
Funding decisions for these grants are made by the Commissioners of CCRJ, meeting normally in October and March each year.
For an application form and list of other information required contact the CCRJ office.
6. Automatic exclusions
a) Overseas travel;
b) Grants to individuals;
c) Purchase, conversion or renovation of premises;
d) Organisations whose primary core funding is from statutory bodies, for example national or local government;
e) Grants towards the budget of Race Equality Councils and other similar bodies.
7. Emergency grants
Organisations which meet the criteria of the Racial Justice Fund and find themselves in dire financial need may be considered for emergency funding. Such emergency support is intended to safeguard particular strategic pieces of work and will take the form of a one-off grant up to a limit of £2,000.
Decisions will normally be made within one month of application. To apply, contact the CCRJ office.
8. Acknowledgement
Organisations whose applications are successful are asked to acknowledge the support of CCRJ and its Racial Justice Fund in their reports and publications.
July 2006
