Decision making factors

Recognising we receive far more applications than we are able to fund, we want to be as transparent as we can about the factors we consider when shortlisting applications.

The factors below reflect ABCT’s 2022 – 2027 strategic framework, and are used as part of the shortlisting process. They are not a check list - rather they help us to build a picture of the organisation or piece of work for which funding is being applied.

We look for organisations that:

take the following kind of approach:

• centre the individuals they work with, respect human dignity, and support people to exercise their own agency
• work collaboratively and in partnership, amplify the work of others, share knowledge, and work in ways that supports the wider sector
• engage the talents and leadership of people who have experienced the social injustice the organisation exists to address
• provide services over a long-term period, and in a holistic way, rather than single touch point or short-term interventions.

contribute to change:

• recognise the systemic challenges and root causes in the sector it works in, and take steps to influence for change where possible. For example, this could include contributions to campaigns, advocacy or strategic litigation.

have an impact on the most marginalised:

• deliver targeted and specialist work with people facing intersecting disadvantage and who are most marginalised by society. See ‘what we fund’ under the ‘apply’ section for our different priority areas for further information.

We also think about where funding is likely to make the most difference, including:

• historically underfunded groups and areas of work
• groups which are led by the communities they work with, and therefore in close proximity to the harms they have experienced
• strengthening the sector infrastructure, including supporting the sector workforce
• work which cuts across more than one of our priorities is likely to stand out for us (for example work with individuals who have insecure immigration status who are in prison)
• considering the spread across geographies
• the financial position of applicants, and whether a grant would make a significant difference to the applicant in comparison to other applicants in that round.

Our strategic framework is broad, and we know we are likely to receive many more strong applications than we can possibly fund. We are always reflecting on our approach to decision making, and we hope setting out these factors will be helpful to those applying for funds.

See our strategic framework and strategy review reflections for the thinking which informed the development of these factors.

Visit our grantholders page for information about work that we have funded in the past.