At ECF we strive for equality and justice for all by supporting the most marginalised and promoting human rights under our Aims as detailed below. We particularly encourage applications from smaller organisations and applications for projects which prioritise women.
Please note: In all cases it is our intention to complement, rather than replace, public funding
UK
UK Aims
Human Rights

We consider applications for projects which:
• fight injustice by combating violations of Human Rights (as defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
• support the victims of these violations and their dependants
• empower people to protect their own human rights
Social and Economic Inequality

We consider applications for projects which:
• work towards food sovereignty; through improvements to local food production and markets, movement building and/or policy work
• address the root causes of social and economic inequality and advocate for policy change, empowering people and communities and promoting social cohesion
• support sustainable livelihoods
• address gender inequality
• engage and support the vulnerable who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and providing crisis support where needed
Mental Health

We consider applications for projects which:
• support people with mental health issues
• promote better understanding of mental health
• address inequality and work to eradicate stigma
• improve young people's self-esteem
Criminal Justice

We consider applications for projects which:
• work towards a fair, effective criminal justice system
• promote prisoners’ wellbeing, ensuring people are treated humanely and with dignity
• assist vulnerable people at risk of imprisonment, particularly women and young people
• work with people on their transition from prison, helping them to resettle and become independent from the Criminal Justice System
• inspire prisoners and enrich their lives through creative and innovative programmes
Image: Clean Break
Elderly People

We consider applications for projects which:
• support the wellbeing of older people with particular emphasis on maintaining independence and alleviation of isolation, and improve the quality of life of older people
Image: MAECare ©Lizzie Coombe
Refugees & Asylum Seekers

We consider applications for projects which:
• advocate on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers
• improve the quality of life for asylum seekers, destitute asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants
• promote social and community cohesion
Image: Meeting Point @ Christ Church Armley
Excluded Young People

We consider applications for projects which:
• advocate for young people who are excluded or at risk of exclusion
• support alternative education provision
OVERSEAS
Overseas Aims
Human Rights

We consider applications for projects which:
• fight injustice by combating violations of Human Rights (as defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
• support the victims of these violations and their dependants
• empower people to protect their own human rights
Social and Economic Inequality

We consider applications for projects which:
• work towards food sovereignty; through improvements to local food production and markets, movement building and/or policy work
• address the root causes of social and economic inequality and advocate for policy change, empowering people and communities and promoting social cohesion
• support sustainable livelihoods
• benefit young people who are unable to access education, and address gender inequality
Image: School Club Zambia
Health

We consider applications for projects which:
• improve maternal and newborn health
• improve women and girls’ sexual health
• support people with mental health issues, promote better understanding, address inequality and work to eradicate stigma
• work to avoid sight loss, improve vision impairment and support a better quality of life for people with sight issues and blindness
Image: HealthProm
Criminal Justice

We consider applications for projects which:
• work towards a fair, effective criminal justice system
• promote prisoners’ wellbeing, ensuring people are treated humanely and with dignity
• assist vulnerable people at risk of imprisonment, particularly women and young people
• work with people on their transition from prison, helping them to resettle and become independent from the Criminal Justice System
• inspire prisoners and enrich their lives through creative and innovative programmes
Elderly People

We consider applications for projects which:
• support the wellbeing of older people with particular emphasis on maintaining independence and alleviation of isolation, and improve the quality of life of older people
Image: Excellent Development
Refugees & Asylum Seekers

We consider applications for projects which:
• advocate on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers
• improve the quality of life for asylum seekers, destitute asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants
• promote social and community cohesion
Image: UNHCR