The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) is a philanthropic grant making trust that supports work undertaken in the UK and Ireland, and previously South Africa. It is one of three original trusts set up by Joseph Rowntree in 1904. The Trust supports work in five programme areas: peace and security, rights and justice, power and accountability, sustainable future and Northern Ireland. History In 1904, the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT), along with sister organisations the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, were created by Joseph Rowntree, who gave about a half of his wealth to establish them. The original trustees of the JRCT were: Rowntree, his sons John Wilhelm, Benjamin Seebohm, Joseph Stephenson and Oscar Frederick, and his nephew Arnold Stephenson Rowntree. The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust’s values are rooted in Quakerism. Joseph Rowntree, who was a Quaker, believed that it is only possible to make a lasting difference by addressing the root causes of a social or economic problem. Quaker values include peace, equality, simplicity, integrity and stewardship of the earth. Current day The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust describes itself as "a Quaker trust which seeks to transform the world by supporting people who address the root causes of conflict and injustice." The Trust says that in order to engage in philanthropy that effects real change, “JRCT does not shy away from supporting those working on unpopular or contentious issues”. It also believes that change can “take many years to achieve”. The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust offers grants to around 100 different charitable organisations a year. In 2018 these included Reprieve, Fawcett Society, Operation Black Vote and Fair Tax Mark. It makes grants in excess of £10 million a year. Cage controversy The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust said it works to “strengthen the hands of those leading change” and recognises that such work carries a level of risk. Between 2007 and 2011, the trust gave three grants to CAGE, formerly known as Cageprisoners, described as a "controversial Islamic rights group", totalling £305,000, to support the work of Moazzam Begg. Cage describes itself as "an independent organisation working to empower communities impacted by the War on Terror" and has spoken out against the UK's anti-terrorism laws. CAGE spokesman Asim Qureshi called on Muslims to support jihad at an extremist rally, and described militant Mohammed Emwazi, as a "beautiful young man". Lord Carlile, formerly the British Government’s independent