A £4 million fund from Trust for London and City Bridge Trust to increase economic empowerment among London’s Black and minoritised communities
Background
Wealth and income disparities are at the heart of racial injustice, and ambivalence about the disproportionate number of Black and minoritised communities experiencing poverty is unacceptable. The clear link between race and poverty in the UK is backed by evidence, with Black, Asian and minority ethnic households twice as likely to be living in poverty as their white counterparts.
The Racial Justice Fund will directly resource Black and minority-led organisations working at the intersection of racial and economic justice. The fund will bring fresh voices, build alliances and pilot new ideas that will help increase wealth and income in Black and minoritised communities.
Aims
Racial justice
The systemic redistribution of power, opportunities and access for Black and minoritised communities
Economic empowerment
Access to income and wealth that enables communities to be in control of their own circumstances
We want to see:
- Black and minoritised communities with access to the power and resources needed to create economic wealth
- Stronger alliances and movements of black and minoritised communities working effectively to influence and shift decision/policy makers
- Increased income and economic wealth among Black and minoritised communities
- Black and minoritised communities and organisations empowered to tackle economic injustice
- Reduced levels of poverty within these communities
- Reduced racial and economic inequalities caused by racialisation
How it works
The Racial Justice Fund will support innovation in Black and minoritised organisations whose work has the potential to increase incomes and wealth in local communities in London. We will be giving:
- Grants for up to five years
- £4 million over two years
- The opportunity to apply for development grants
- Flexible funding for core and/or project funding
How to apply
There are two stages to the application process for this fund.
Stage one
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) - now open, apply by 1pm 27 June 2022
Stage two
Shortlisted applicants directly invited to apply
Expressions of interest are welcomed from organisations that fit the following eligibility criteria:
- Majority-led by Black and minoritised communities (75% Trustees/50% senior staff)
- Prioritising work with an intersectional approach, reflecting the overlapping and interconnected systems of oppression and disadvantage
- Taking a collaborative approach to work to reduce competition between organisations
- Have at least three trustees or directors
- Working in London and/or benefiting Londoners
- Undertaking charitable activities (although you do not need to be a registered charity)
Before submitting an Expression of Interest we recommend you do following:
- Read the funding guidelines
- Attend the information event on 25 May from 10am - 12pm
- Book a 1:1 call with a grants manager on 30 & 31 May or 1 June if you have any other questions (only after following steps 1 & 2 above)
Please read the funding guidelines carefully before submitting an Expression of Interest:
Get in touch

Programme lead
Ugo Ikokwu is leading the Racial Justice Fund work. Get in touch if you have questions or feedback about the initiative.
Updated May 2022