The Movements Trust

Capacity Building | Donor Support

The Movements Trust exists to support people-powered systemic change.

We believe that there is not one single solution to the climate and economic emergencies, and multiple grassroots and people-powered efforts are required to respond to it. Social movements offer many strategies, whether to reduce extraction, exploitation, and consumption or to increase the protection of people and the planet.

For movements  
We are a ‘charity sponsor,’ acting as an intermediary to get funding to non-profit groups who might otherwise be excluded from investment, due to lack of legal status. These are groups doing incredible work on the ground, who often go unrecognized.

– We connect movements to support services, including fiscal hosts, legal advice, and researchers.
– We are expanding our networks to be able to connect movements to other types of organizational support, including communications, fundraising, and coaching.
– We connect movements together so they can share skills, best practices, and build solidarity.

For funders 
We support new and existing donors who want to invest in movement organizing but don’t know how, or who need a charitable partner to realize their philanthropic goals.

– We are a re-granter, working with foundations and donors to provide grants in a trust-based way—at speed, without onerous bureaucracy.

– We work alongside movements and funders to evaluate impact, understanding that social movements are not, and should not be expected to, behave like large organizations, NGOs, or charities. They offer something different—and are often more community-based, agile, and responsive.

How to Help

If you are a funder or individual donor concerned about climate and social justice, and want to move money into community action, or learn more about social movements – please get in touch!

If you are a campaigner or movement organiser looking for a charity sponsor or support services – we are happy to help!

Impact

  • Established in 2021, we have transferred nearly £2 million to movements as a charity intermediary and regranter.
  • As a re-granter, we currently run five movement focused grant programmes, three of which have piloted co-produced grant programmes with and for movements
  • We support 100 movements, working across issues including rewilding, biodiversity, agro-ecology, tax justice, citizenship, advocacy, education, basic income and mobilization.
  • We have convened 8 monthly virtual gatherings open to all the movements we support – providing a space to learn, share issues and join up for greater reach and impact.
Last updated: April 9, 2025