The Open Programme provides flexible grant funding of £10,000–£30,000 per year to UK-registered charities working to advance human rights and justice. Grants can be awarded for one to three years and are often provided on an unrestricted basis.

Overview

The Open Programme offers funding to UK-registered charities that advance human rights and justice across clearly defined priority areas.

The programme supports organisations whose work aligns closely with its objectives and provides flexible, often unrestricted funding to strengthen long-term impact.

Priority Areas

Applicants must apply under one of the following priority areas:

• The Human Rights Framework

• Access to Justice

• The Criminal Legal System and Penal Reform

• Migrants and Refugees

Each application must clearly demonstrate how the organisation’s work contributes to one selected priority area.

Funding Details

• Grant amount: £10,000 to £30,000 per year

• Duration: 1 to 3 years

• Funding type: Typically unrestricted where possible

Unrestricted funding allows organisations to allocate resources where they are most needed, strengthening operational stability and strategic flexibility.

What the Programme Supports

The Open Programme funds initiatives that:

• Advance and protect human rights

• Strengthen access to justice

• Promote reform within the criminal legal system

• Support migrants and refugees

• Improve fairness and accountability in legal and policy systems

Projects must align directly with the selected priority area and demonstrate clear impact.

Application Process

Applications are submitted through an online form.

The process includes:

• Selecting a priority area

• Reviewing eligibility requirements

• Understanding detailed funding objectives

• Completing a four-step guided process

Applicants may download a PDF version of the questions in advance to prepare their responses before final submission.

While eligible organisations can proceed directly to the application form, completing the full guidance process is strongly recommended to ensure alignment with eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, organisations must:

• Be a registered charity in the United Kingdom

• Be registered with one of the following:

  • Charity Commission for England and Wales

  • Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)

  • Charity Commission for Northern Ireland

The Open Programme is not available to unregistered organisations or entities outside the UK.

Other funding programmes are available by invitation only.

Expected Impact

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen the UK human rights framework

• Improve access to justice for vulnerable communities

• Promote fairness and accountability in legal systems

• Support systemic reform in criminal justice and migration policy

• Provide stable, flexible funding to charities delivering high-impact work

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the Open Programme?
   Only charities registered in the United Kingdom with the appropriate regulatory body.

2. How much funding is available?
   Grants typically range from £10,000 to £30,000 per year.

3. How long can funding last?
   Funding can be awarded for one to three years.

4. Is the funding restricted?
   Where possible, grants are provided on an unrestricted basis.

5. What priority areas are covered?
   The Human Rights Framework, Access to Justice, The Criminal Legal System and Penal Reform, and Migrants and Refugees.

6. Can organisations outside the UK apply?
   No. Only UK-registered charities are eligible.

7. How do applicants prepare?
   Applicants can download a PDF of the application questions in advance and are encouraged to review the full eligibility guidance before submitting.

Conclusion

The Open Programme offers flexible and strategic funding to UK-registered charities working to advance human rights and justice. By focusing on key priority areas and providing multi-year, often unrestricted grants, the programme strengthens organisations committed to fairness, accountability, and systemic change across the UK.