Roots & Routes Fund

Objectives of Fund

This fund aims to support youth-led organisations that are fighting for climate justice in England to deliver projects that empower young people to take climate justice action in ways that are meaningful for them and their communities.

Funding will support existing youth-led organisations that are trialling new climate justice initiatives, ideas at an early stage, and organisations that want to add a climate justice lens to their existing work.

Value Notes

One-year grants of up to £20,000 are available.

Who Can Apply

To apply, groups must:

• Be based in England with the majority of their work taking place within England.
• Be a youth-led organisation with a minimum of 55% of their leadership between the ages of 18 and 30.
• Be led by at least 55% of people who are the characteristics of communities most impacted by climate injustice, or those underrepresented in the climate justice sector.
• Have at least three people leading the organisation.
• Have a UK bank account or be willing to be fiscally hosted by one that does.
• Organisations that have a group agreement or constitution in place that sets out how the group intends to work together.
• Have an annual revenue of between £10,000 and £500,000.

Location

England.

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Education or living costs for students.
• Organisations based outside of England.
• Major capital appeals.
• Individual sponsorships.
• General appeals or circulars.
• Private limited companies without an asset lock.
• Activities to make profits for private gain.
• Religious activities.
• Party political activities.
• Retrospective costs.
• Loan repayments.
• Topping up of organisational reserves.

Eligible Expenditure

Funding is for projects that:

• Empower young people to challenge and change the oppressive systems, processes and practices that prevent or hinder them from making their voices heard and making meaningful change.
• Aspire to bring about long-lasting change.
• Are bold and seek to reimagine how systems work.

Funding can be used for a variety of activities, including advocacy, research, training and learning, or a specific project or activity.

Funding can be used for new or preexisting projects.

How To Apply

The deadline for applications is 2 June 2025 (23:59).

It is expected that applicants will be notified of any decisions made on 4 July 2025.

An online webinar will be held on 28 April 2025 (17:00 – 18:00).

Guidance notes and an online application form are available from the Blagrave Trust website.