AB Charitable Trust: Defending Human Rights of Marginalised Groups

The AB Charitable Trust (ABCT), is a grant-making foundation focused on promoting and defending human rights in the UK and supporting marginalised and excluded groups whose rights are at risk or under threat. 

Through its Open Programme, ABCT offers grants ranging from £10,000 to £30,000 per year, for up to three years. The programme provides both core funding (unrestricted grants) and project funding (restricted grants), enabling charities to deliver essential activities that protect and promote human rights. 

The Trust prioritises support for charities operating in the following thematic areas: 

1. The Human Rights Framework 

This includes defending civic space, safeguarding the right to protest, and holding the government accountable for its human rights obligations. 

2. Access to Justice 

Grants are available for organisations that promote the rule of law and seek to strengthen the justice system, especially for those facing discrimination or disadvantage. 

3. The Criminal Legal System and Penal Reform 

 This includes advocacy for penal reform and efforts to reduce the harms caused by incarceration. 

4. Migrants and Refugees 

This includes service provision, policy and advocacy work, campaigning, narrative change, and community organising to promote a fair and humane immigration system. 

Applicants must be UK-registered charities with annual incomes between £150,000 and £1.5 million. The next deadline for applications to the Open Programme is 31 July 2026.