The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust has been a Quaker funder since 1904. Our current strategy has shaped our work since 2018, and as we look ahead to the next decade, we wanted to take stock of what’s changed, what we’ve learned, and how we can do better.
We set out to do that with you - and we’re very grateful to everyone who has taken part so far.
What we’ve heard
Earlier this year, we ran a perception audit, and many of you were refreshingly honest with us. Here’s some of what you told us:
- You value your relationship with us, but want it to feel more like a genuine partnership.- You would like longer-term, more reliable support.- You want us to be more agile and responsive to what’s happening in the sector.- You would value a clearer sense of what we stand for.- You want us to use our voice and position more actively, not just our grants.
We also heard from many more people - grantholders, staff, trustees and committee members, Quaker communities, peer funders, young people - through stakeholder engagement that took place across April and May, including surveys, conversations, and discussions. Thank you to everyone who shared their time, perspectives and experience - this has been immensely valuable.
These insights have confirmed that we need to refresh our strategy, and that we also have strong foundations to build from.
What happens next
We are now reviewing everything we’ve heard and beginning to draw out key themes and priorities.
We’ll be sharing a further update with thematic findings in early June, so you can see how your input is shaping our thinking.
What you can count on
While much is open for discussion, some things remain certain, because they are central to who we are:
- We will remain a Quaker organisation.- We will remain a charitable organisation rooted in public benefit.- We will honour our commitment to making reparations in line with our charitable purposes.- We will continue funding for the long term.- Our new strategy will be finalised in 2027 and come into full effect in 2028. There are no immediate changes to our funding commitments.
How decisions will be made
Trustees hold responsibility for the final strategy. Our senior leadership team is overseeing the review and shaping early thinking. What we’ve heard through this process will play an important role in what we build next.
What we’re working towards
We want to build on what we do well, be honest about where we can improve, and develop a clear sense of what the sector needs from a funder like us over the next decade.
Thank you again to everyone who has contributed so far.