The Henry Smith Foundation is opening applications for its Equity in Justice Fund, offering grants to organisations supporting racially minoritised young men aged 18 to 25 who are in contact with the criminal justice system.
The fund will support culturally appropriate, specialist services delivered in prisons, in the community, or through work helping people move from prison back into the community.
The programme aims to improve access to tailored support for young men affected by racial injustice, including those from Black and Global Majority, Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Jewish and Muslim communities.
Who can apply
Applications are open to registered not-for-profit organisations with a charitable purpose, operating in the UK and delivering services directly to people.
This can include registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies with an asset lock, community benefit societies and similar charitable organisations.
Organisations must have:
- at least 18 months’ experience delivering relevant specialist support
- published annual accounts
- person-centred, holistic and long-term services
- lived experience reflected in their services, organisation and governance
Priority will be given to smaller organisations and those led by and for the racially minoritised communities they support.
What you can get
The Foundation expects to award around 13 grants of £200,000.
Grants can run over three, four or five years.
Funding is for specialist support for racially minoritised young men aged 18 to 25 who are in contact with the criminal justice system.
Deadline
Applications open on Wednesday 24 June 2026.
Organisations must complete an online eligibility checker before submitting an expression of interest.
The deadline for expressions of interest is 5pm on Wednesday 5 August 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application by 5pm on Friday 9 October 2026, with final decisions expected by the end of December 2026.
Key notes
The fund is focused on established services, rather than brand new work.
Applications should clearly show how the organisation provides specialist, culturally appropriate and consistent support for racially minoritised young men in contact with the criminal justice system.
The Foundation is particularly interested in services that are long-term, person-centred and shaped by the experiences of those affected by the issues.