At UK Fund of B&J Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting and empowering organizations that create systemic change for refugees and migrants seeking asylum in the UK. Through a targeted funding initiative, we aim to drive impactful change in key areas that directly affect these communities.

Areas of Focus for Funding

Empowering Refugee, Asylum Seeker, and Migrant Groups for System Change

  • Recognizing the power of voices directly impacted by challenges, we fund projects that place these groups at the core of their initiatives. We believe in their ability to identify systemic constraints and mobilize for lasting change.

Changing Perceptions in Public Consciousness

  • Combatting stigma and challenging negative perceptions surrounding refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants is crucial. We support organizations that empower local communities to provide inclusive and positive welcomes.

In addition to above, this year we are also looking to support mental health for advocates and lived experience communities. We prioritize mental health support for campaigners advocating for systemic change.

Eligibility Criteria for Funding

To be considered for funding, organizations must:

  • Have an annual operating budget under £350,000.
  • Target systemic change for refugees and asylum seekers or contribute to positive narrative change.
  • Lack access to mainstream sources of support.

Components of Effective Grassroots Organizing Supported by the Foundation

  • Community & Ally Outreach: Engaging diverse audiences through various means such as workshops, media engagement, and public forums.
  • Leadership Development: Investing in training and resources to empower refugees and asylum seekers in civic engagement.
  • Constituent Empowerment & Decision-Making: Ensuring that refugees and asylum seekers drive the organization's core values and actions.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Continuously identifying and targeting the root cause(s) of issues for strategic change.
  • Campaign Development: Crafting comprehensive action plans for specific impact.
  • Movement Building: Mobilizing individuals towards common goals through various means like protests, testifying at hearings, and media engagement.
  • Coalition Building: Partnering with allied organizations to amplify collective impact.

Things We Do Not Fund

We do not fund:

  • Direct services to individuals (e.g., food pantries, job training programs, legal services).
  • Organizations with an annual budget exceeding £350,000.
  • Donations or sponsorships.
  • Religious activities.
  • State agencies or government programs.
  • Arts or Media programs not linked to clear grassroots organizing campaigns in the refugee space.
  • Internationally oriented programs.
  • Other foundations or regranting organizations.

About Applications

We sincerely appreciate your interest in seeking support from us. Regrettably, we are unable to accept unsolicited applications.

However, if you believe your organization and project align with our funding priorities, we encourage you to kindly reach out to us at info.ukfund@benjerry.com. Please provide a brief overview of your organization and project idea. Rest assured, all requests will be thoughtfully reviewed, and if we find alignment with our goals, we will certainly reach out to discuss further.

Thank you for considering us as a potential partner in your endeavours.