Power and Accountability
The Power and Accountability grant funds research and projects that promote accountability, transparency, and justice in corporate, government, and media sectors to challenge and reform unaccountable power.
Funder: Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
Due Dates: March 2, 2026 (Full application deadline, round one) | July 13, 2026 (Expression of Interest, September 2026 round) | August 19, 2026 (Account registration closes, September 2026 round) | September 2, 2026 (Full application deadline, round two)
Funding Amounts: Typical grants range from £10,000–£100,000 over 1–3 years; both project and core funding considered.
Summary: Supports projects that promote accountability and transparency among corporations, governments, and the media to advance equality and justice.
Key Information: Expression of Interest required before full application for September 2026 round.
Description
The Power and Accountability programme from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust funds initiatives that address the concentration, sharing, and use of power in society, with a focus on promoting equality and holding powerful institutions accountable. The grant supports work scrutinising and challenging unaccountable power—including corporate, governmental, and media actors—and encourages mechanisms for greater accountability, transparency, and responsiveness to the public interest. Funding priorities include strengthening corporate accountability, enhancing democratic accountability, and encouraging responsible media practices. Projects may develop new mechanisms for oversight, support marginalized groups in seeking justice, promote transparency in digital technologies and artificial intelligence, and foster dialogue across sectors to shape norms of accountability.
