In wider society, the way that power is concentrated, shared and used is changing as a result of globalisation, geopolitics, new technology, growing use of artificial intelligence, new channels of communication, extreme inequality and other factors. These changes bring increased risks of unaccountable power, but also new opportunities for interconnected, engaged and flourishing democracy.
We want to support people to create a world in which power is more equally shared, and in which powerful institutions are responsive and accountable to wider society and aligned with the long-term public interest. We welcome work that scrutinises and holds these actors to account for perpetuating inequality, injustice or abuses of power, including systemic racism and corruption.
Large corporations have significant power, and checks and balances are inadequately developed, particularly for trans-national corporations, including the largest digital platforms and intermediaries. We are interested in funding work which:
In a healthy democracy, government should be representative of the wider public and in touch with a wide range of groups, but not disproportionately influenced by any single interest. We are interested in funding work which:
All forms of media, including print, broadcast and social media, play important roles in a healthy democracy, but media companies and platforms can themselves be powerful and unaccountable, and artificial intelligence is changing the way the media operates. We are interested in funding work which:
Under this programme, JRCT will consider applications for national work in the UK, or elsewhere in Europe for work at a pan-European level.
Please read the Trust’s general exclusions.
In addition to this the following types of work will not be funded:
The Power and Accountability programme is open to both new applicants and returning grantees in September 2025. Please note that we expect high demand and encourage applicants to contact us before applying to check on eligibility and fit with our funding policy.
If you are a returning grantee and need advice, please contact your current grant lead at JRCT. If your current grant ends in 2025, you are welcome to reapply in September. Those with later end dates should reapply in 2026.
For all other inquiries, please contact one of the team as follows:
For further information see when to apply.
Supporting a public inquiry into the handling of the pandemic