Henry Smith Foundation's New Equity in Justice Fund to Open 10th June

The new Equity in Justice Fund aims to support organisations working with racially minoritised young men aged 18 to 25 who are in contact with the UK's criminal justice system. The objective is to increase access to specialist services designed to meet participants' specific needs, with a focus on culturally appropriate support and lived experience.

A total of £2.6 million is available. The foundation anticipates making 13 grants of £200,000 each over three to five years, with applicants able to choose whether they receive support over three, four or five years. Awards are designed for direct service delivery and the grant is flexible, including use for general running costs.

Eligible applicants must be charitable organisations registered in and working in the UK. This includes registered charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations, Community Interest Companies that are not-for-profit with an asset lock and other not for profit charitable organisations aligned with the foundation's strategy.

Applicants must provide specialist services for racially minoritised young men in contact with the justice system, demonstrate at least 18 months' relevant delivery, offer person centred, holistic and long-term support, include lived experience across services, the organisation and governance and have a first set of published annual accounts.

Priority will be given to smaller organisations and to groups described as 'led by and for' the communities they serve, defined as having 50% of trustees or directors and 50% of staff from the represented community. The foundation also intends to support work across prisons, through the gate and in the community, with a geographical spread and representation including Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Jewish and Muslim communities. Further rounds are expected to open in January 2027, June 2027 and January 2028.

A live webinar will be held on 23 June 2026 (14:00 to 15:00). Registration is required. 

The guidelines, faqs, a short eligibility quiz, and a sample EOI are now available on the Henry Smith Foundation website.

Applications open 10 June (9:00) and close 5 August 2026 (17:00). For more information pleas visit The gap we should have seen sooner - Henry Smith