The Matrix Causes Fund: Supporting Justice, Equality, and Sustainability (UK)

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Matrix Causes Fund, administered by Prism, provides grants to organisations promoting access to justice, equality of opportunity, and environmental sustainability. UK-registered charities can apply for one-off grants up to £6,500 or multi-year funding of up to £4,500 annually, while international and non-UK registered organisations may apply for one-off grants. Preference is given to projects benefiting vulnerable communities and initiatives with long-term impact.

Overview of the Program

The Matrix Causes Fund supports charitable organisations advancing:

• Access to justice for marginalised or underrepresented groups

• Equality of opportunity, including support for women, refugees, prisoners, and people with disabilities

• Environmental sustainability through impactful initiatives

The fund focuses on time-limited projects that complement, rather than replace, an organisation’s core activities and demonstrate sustainable, long-term benefits.

Who is Eligible

• UK-registered charities

• International organisations or UK-based applicants that are not registered charities

• Organisations working with vulnerable populations, such as:

  • People with disabilities

  • Women in refuges

  • Refugees and asylum seekers

  • Individuals with mental health difficulties

  • Prisoners

Preference is given to organisations based in London and projects that demonstrate long-term value and measurable impact.

Funding Details

• UK-registered charities:

  • One-off grant: up to £6,500

  • Multi-year grant: up to £4,500 per year for a maximum of 3 years

  • Continued funding depends on satisfactory annual reporting

• International or non-UK registered organisations:

  • One-off grant: up to £6,500

• Funding is intended for projects extending beyond core activities with demonstrable social or environmental impact

Key Focus Areas

• Projects that advance justice or improve access to legal services

• Initiatives promoting equality and opportunity for marginalised or vulnerable communities

• Programmes supporting environmental sustainability

• Projects that are time-limited yet offer long-term value

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Check if your organisation meets the registration and focus criteria

• Ensure the project aligns with justice, equality, or environmental objectives

Step 2: Prepare Proposal

• Include project objectives, expected outcomes, and target beneficiaries

• Provide a budget breakdown and timeline for implementation

• Demonstrate long-term impact and sustainability

Step 3: Submit Application

• Complete the Matrix Causes Fund application form

• Submit supporting documents, including organisation details, financial information, and project plan

• For multi-year funding, include a reporting plan for subsequent years

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for funding outside the scope of justice, equality, or environmental sustainability

• Submitting projects that are core operational activities rather than time-limited initiatives

• Failing to provide clear evidence of long-term value or impact

• Not demonstrating eligibility, such as registration or geographic focus

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?
UK-registered charities, international organisations, or UK-based non-registered charities focusing on justice, equality, or environmental sustainability.

2. What funding is available?
UK-registered charities: up to £6,500 one-off, or £4,500 per year for up to 3 years. International/non-UK registered organisations: up to £6,500 one-off.

3. Are London-based projects prioritised?
Yes, preference is given to organisations based in London.

4. Can multi-year grants continue automatically?
Continuation depends on satisfactory annual reporting.

5. What types of projects are prioritised?
Time-limited initiatives extending beyond core activities, benefiting vulnerable communities, and demonstrating long-term impact.

6. Are environmental projects eligible?
Yes, projects promoting sustainable environmental practices are supported.

7. Can organisations supporting prisoners or refugees apply?
Yes, projects targeting marginalised or vulnerable groups are highly encouraged.

Conclusion

The Matrix Causes Fund empowers organisations advancing justice, equality, and environmental sustainability through targeted, impactful projects. By prioritising initiatives that benefit vulnerable populations and demonstrate long-term value, the fund helps build a fairer, more equitable, and sustainable society.

For more information, visit Matrix Chambers.