‘We recognise that transformational change can take many years to achieve.’

The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust was established with the intention of tackling the root causes of injustice. Jenny Amery explains how its Quaker trustees work to realise Rowntree’s vision

by Jenny Amery 17th January 2020

The York-based Quaker chocolate maker and philanthropist Joseph Rowntree was clear about the reasons for establishing the trusts that bear his name.

A radical social thinker, he felt too much effort was being put into remedying the manifestations of what he called ‘evil’ and not enough into addressing their underlying causes. While there was overwhelming demand and plentiful financial support for the York Soup Kitchen, Joseph Rowntree noted little interest in the deeper causes of poverty and injustice that made it so vital.