Power and Accountability
JRCT's Power and Accountability programme funds research and projects that examine and challenge power structures, focusing on corporate, democratic, and media accountability, especially regarding technology and inequality.
Funder: Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
Due Dates: February 16, 2026 (Account registration, Round One) | March 2, 2026 (Full application, Round One) | July 13, 2026 (Expression of Interest, Round Two) | August 19, 2026 (Account registration, Round Two) | September 2, 2026 (Full application, Round Two)
Funding Amounts: Typical grants: £5,000–£100,000 over 1–3 years; both core and project funding considered.
Summary: Supports initiatives to increase accountability of powerful institutions, focusing on corporate, democratic, and media accountability in the UK or pan-European context.
Key Information: New applicants must submit an Expression of Interest by July 13, 2026 to be eligible for the September 2026 round.
Description
The Power and Accountability programme by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) funds work that examines and challenges how power is concentrated, shared, and exercised in society. The programme is particularly interested in projects addressing the influence of globalisation, new technologies (including artificial intelligence), and extreme inequality. It aims to foster more equitable power structures and ensure that powerful institutions—corporate, governmental, and media—are accountable and responsive to the public interest.
Supported activities include:
- Strengthening mechanisms for corporate accountability and transparency, especially regarding large digital companies.
- Enhancing democratic accountability, including public engagement and representation in policymaking.
- Encouraging responsible media and responses to misinformation, with a focus on the role of AI and digital platforms.
The programme welcomes applications for both project-based and core (unrestricted) funding, provided the work aligns with JRCT’s priorities and eligibility criteria.
