Grant News

The Henry Smith Foundation is opening applications for its Equity in Justice Fund, offering around 13 grants of £200,000 each to support specialist services for racially minoritised young men aged 18 to 25 who are involved with the criminal justice system.

The foundation is a long-established UK grantmaker that supports organisations working to reduce inequality and improve lives across the UK.

Eligible applicants must be registered not-for-profits with a charitable purpose, operating in the UK and delivering services directly to people. This includes charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies with an asset lock, and similar charitable organisations.

Applicants must have at least 18 months’ relevant experience and published annual accounts. Their services should be person-centred, consider people’s wider circumstances, and be shaped by the experiences of those affected by the issues. Priority will be given to smaller organisations and those led by and for the racially minoritised communities they support.

The funding is for culturally appropriate specialist support delivered in prisons, in the community, or through services helping people move from prison back into the community. The programme aims to improve access to tailored support for young men affected by racial injustice, including those from Black and Global Majority, Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Jewish and Muslim communities.

Grants can run over three, four or five years.

Applications open on 24 June 2026. Organisations must complete an online eligibility checker before submitting an expression of interest by 5pm on 5 August 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application by 9 October 2026, with final decisions expected by the end of December 2026. A webinar will take place on 23 June 2026.