The Edge Fund was initiated by a small group of philanthropists and activists in early 2012 who wanted to explore how funds could be distributed in a way that both devolves the power of donors and creates real and systemic social change.
The Edge Fund seeks to support communities, campaign groups and activists struggling for social, economic and environmental justice, especially those who are:
1. Working for systemic change – those who seek to dismantle and replace the structures and processes that create oppression, inequality and environmental destruction;
2. Facing discrimination and injustice because of their class, ability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other factors – those who are actively working to challenge these injustices and to create just and healthy communities.
Groups and individuals are more creative, dynamic and accountable to communities when they work at grassroots level and are truly independent of influence from funders, government, corporations and the media. Therefore funding for grassroots or unfunded groups is priroritised.
The Edge Fund is also an alternative fund for groups who find that traditional avenues of funding are closed to them due to their radical approach. The Edge Fund believe that many of those seeking to bring about social change fail to address the underlying systems and processes that underpin inequalities in societies; and that because the underlying system is not challenged it is relatively easy for them to secure financial support from conservative funders. This is not the case for those looking for real and lasting radical change.
In the first round, grants are not likely to be more than £5,000 and for UK-based groups only.
How to apply
Applicants need to email one page describing who you are, your group’s annual income, what you do and how you fit the guidelines to: [email protected] or call or text 0776 712 6915 and they will arrange for someone to take down these details for you.
Deadline
The deadline is 1 December 2012, after which applicants will be shortlisted. Shortlisted applicants will then need to provide more details via written, audio or video applications.
For further information, visit: http://edgefund.org.uk