The Matrix Causes Fund (MCF) provides support to organisations which promote access to justice (particularly for people trying to get support to meet their basic personal needs), equality of opportunity, or a sustainable environment.
Other than in exceptional circumstances, the Fund will only provide an organisation with one-off funds of up to £5,000, or funds of up to £3,000 a year for 3 years for a specific project which supplements the organisation’s core activities.
Who can apply
MCF are only able to provide funding for organisations with charitable status. In exceptional circumstances MCF may be able to consider applications from organisations that are established for “charitable purposes” and are recognised by HMRC as an exempt charity.
What are the funding priorities
Applications are particularly welcome from organisations whose focus is on supporting the needs of vulnerable persons such as prisoners, asylum seekers, people with mental health difficulties, people (particularly children) with disabilities, or women in refuges.
What can the grant be used for
The MCF will only provide funds for identifiable items or activities. The MCF may exceptionally cover salary costs for distinct projects where applicants demonstrate a clear funding need and that the project is separate from their normal activities which are covered by core funding.
The MCF will fund the costs associated with things like publications, staff/volunteer training, publicity, events and equipment which can benefit many people and be long- lasting. The MCF will only fund the cost of printing for publications where there is a justifiable need for the materials to be printed rather than provided electronically, for example where the information is to be distributed in prisons. The MCF will only provide funds to cover costs (such as salary costs) for an organisation’s direct service delivery to individual clients or members of the public where there are a large number of beneficiaries for whom the benefit is significant and long-term and may be cascaded to others. Organisations must explain why there is a need to provide the service in the way proposed.
Is there a deadline
Applications received will be put forward at the next quarterly meeting.
Further information and application form can be found here: