Funding Priorities

1. Better economics

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. 

2. Beyond consumerism

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 resources
  • exploration 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.

3. New voices

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.