We imagine a future that is cleaner, fairer, and greener. We recognise the large-scale effects of climate change and how the balance of who emits and who pays the price is wholly unfair. We see our use of natural resources as unsustainable and unjust, and although technology can play a part here, we do not believe it can solve everything. We need to start a conversation about shifting our economic models and changing our social expectations.
The overall focus of this programme is on supporting ideas for a low-carbon, sustainable future that doesn’t prioritise consumer culture and economic growth above all else.
JRCT wishes to prioritise support for charitable work on the following issues:
Our economic system encourages growth above all else, and does not adequately reflect the true costs and risks of resource depletion, climate change and other environmental problems. We will fund work that:
- explores and promotes ways that well-being and sustainability, rather than traditional forms of economic growth, could be placed at the heart of public policy- explores and promotes mechanisms that could better align business and investor behaviour with environmental sustainability and the long-term public interest- explores innovations and new models for purpose or values-driven businesses that consider sustainability and community, and not just profit- challenges future investment in, or subsidies for, fossil fuels.
Our society is increasingly focused on consumption culture, it has become a symbol of success in many ways. Yet as society becomes more and more addicted to buying and consuming, overwork, anxiety and loss of community are all increasing. We also know that our planet and the resources we have cannot sustain these levels of consumption. We need a shift in behaviours and expectations. We are interested in funding:
- campaigns, initiatives, and mechanisms which encourage radical, large-scale shifts in behaviour and culture away from consumerism towards more sustainable ways of living and using resourcesexploration of initiatives and models which promote positive alternatives to materialism for a more fulfilled life- work which encourages radical thinking about how to shift society’s aspirations from being dominated by consumer culture to more values-led and sustainable lifestyles.
In order to create a broad-based, democratic, and lasting transition to a low-carbon, sustainable society, we need to involve everyone. JRCT is particularly concerned that marginalised groups and young activists have a voice in decisions which affect them.
We will fund:
- campaigns and movements that give marginalised or under-represented groups a voice on issues of environmental and economic justice- initiatives that encourage organisations from outside the traditional environmental and economics fields to get involved in campaigns for justice- networks that link and support local environmental or economic justice groups- the replication of innovative local projects to involve New Voices regionally or nationally.
The next open rounds for the Sustainable Future programme will be March and September 2026. If you are interested in finding out more or applying to us please read through the guidance on this website and then get in touch with our staff team.
Success rates
Our programme receives many more applications than we can fund. To give an idea of the chances of success, this is how the rounds in 2025 concluded:
· We received 128 applications amounting to over £18.5m in requests
· 15 of the 128 were existing grantees that reapplied
· 22 applications were shortlisted (15 existing and 7 new)
· 3 existing grantees were refused
· 6 existing grantees were given reduced amounts or duration
· 6 existing grantees were awarded the full request
· 5 new organisations were awarded grants.
Cooperation Town, a movement of food co-ops, gives neighbours the tools to build collective power and buy affordable food.
A new dawn for farming: how the Kindling Trust is transforming our food and farming systems to benefit people and nature