Frequenty asked questions

What is QCF? 
QCF is an independent charitable foundation working across human security, poverty and inequality, and climate risk to strengthen resilience.

Our strategy focuses on these interconnected challenges, supporting work that addresses immediate needs in contexts of vulnerability while contributing to longer-term system change. We prioritise efforts led by those closest to the work. 

What does QCF mean by “human security”? 
Human security is about protecting lives, dignity and agency in contexts of acute vulnerability, including conflict and climate-related shocks. 

We see this work as foundational to longer-term change. Without it, people lose trust in institutions, societies become more fragile, and the conditions needed for lasting progress are harder to sustain. 

Does QCF only fund climate work? 
No. While climate risk is a core focus, we also support work addressing human security and poverty and inequality. These challenges are interconnected and shape resilience over time. 

What does QCF mean by “resilience”? 
At QCF we define resilience as the capacity of people, communities and ecosystems to respond and transform amid intersecting crises. Resilience is rooted in place, shaped by systems, and constrained by planetary boundaries including a stable climate. 

How does QCF support this work? 
We resource change through grant funding, impact-first investments and field engagement, working in partnership to strengthen the conditions for meaningful change. 

What are “impact-first investments”? 
Impact-first investments are made to further our charitable purposes. We use them to help de-risk and unlock additional capital, support new business models and scale innovative solutions that strengthen resilience. 

Where does QCF’s funding come from? 
QCF is funded by Quadrature Capital group. QCF operates as an independent charity, regulated by the Charity Commission, with its own governance and decision-making structures. 

What is QCF’s position on solar radiation management (SRM)?

We support research and governance work on solar radiation management, without advocating for deployment, as part of a broader effort to understand possible future responses to extreme climate risks. This includes strengthening the evidence base on risks, impacts and implications, and supporting governance that enables informed, equitable and inclusive decision-making.

How does QCF select partners? 
Our grantmaking is invitation-only. We identify partners through sustained engagement with practitioners, community leaders, researchers, movements and peer funders. 

Our decisions are based on alignment with our strategy, charitable purposes, demonstrable public benefit, and the extent to which organisations are close to the realities they seek to change. 

Can I apply for funding? 
We do not currently accept unsolicited applications, but we are exploring alternative models. We identify partners through our networks and ongoing engagement with the field.

Where does QCF work? 
We focus our funding in geographies where we have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to long-term change. We work in the UK and Europe where our proximity, relationships, and understanding of the context allow us to support locally rooted organisations and contribute to wider system change. We work across Sub-Saharan Africa because of the scale and urgency of intersecting challenges, and the region’s central role in shaping global climate, economic and development futures.

We also support selected global partnerships and coalitions where they can strengthen the work of partners on the ground and influence the systems we focus on.  

Is QCF politically aligned? 
QCF is an independent charitable foundation and does not support any political party. We support work which is for the public benefit and furthers our charitable purposes, including research, policy engagement and informed public debate.

How is QCF governed? 
QCF is governed by a Board of Trustees, which provides oversight, strategic direction and accountability. An Advisory Council brings external perspectives and independent challenge to our work.