Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Paul Hamlyn Foundation is one of the largest independent grant-makers in the UK. Our vision is a just society in which everyone, especially young people, can realise their full potential and enjoy fulfilling and creative lives. Our mission is to be an effective and independent funder, using all our resources to create opportunities and support social change. We partner with inspiring organisations and individuals to make sure that people facing disadvantage are at the heart of leading change and designing solutions to overcome inequality.
Overview
Total reviews: 29
Median 27.5 hours
Latest Reviews
Oct 24, 2023
applied in 2023
You will only receive one meeting/advice call over the total journey of building a proposal.
The application form is very long and the questions are complicated. It will take hours to complete the first stage and even when you think you have answered everything and have a strong application you will be declined.
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Applied and not funded
If you were funded tell us the outcome
What year was this experience?
2023
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Poor
These questions are not in clear language, they are repetitive. It would be better if they were outcomes orientated.
The Word form is incredibly limited for editing and therefore collaborating.
The website categories are ambiguous, hard to decipher.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Poor
The explanation given for a decline does not match our perception. We are an experienced and intelligent team and would just like to be given straightforward, honest feedback.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Pick up the phone, make time for a five minute conversation with your applicants.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Poor
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Feb 6, 2024
We’re so sorry to hear that you found the application process so time consuming and complicated. We really appreciate your constructive feedback and will take this on board as we review our application processes.
Oct 17, 2023
Other - applied in 2023
Ensure you read the guidance specifc to the fund/programme you are applying under and push for an enquiry call - criteria for this is different for each programme.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Friendly
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Applied and not funded
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Other
What year was this experience?
2023
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Average
The site is easy to navigate and there is a lot of helpful information. The similarity between fund/programme names is confusing and the criteria for a requesting an enquiry call is different for each programme, which is confusing.
We collect data in accordance with the Office for National Statistics - this is updated yearly or when there are notable changes to personnel. It would be helpful if there was a consistent framework for the sector.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
The Foundation is leading example of good practice and governance. You clearly take both a reactive approach - as seen throughout the pandemic - and proactive strategy, responding to the diverse and complex needs of communities in the UK and India.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Is proactive, passionate and advocates for the creative and voluntary sector - setting a standard for others to follow.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Greater support for organisations applying to the Foundation for the first time - especially when they have such promising ideas but not a dedicated fundraising team other organisations may have.
- provide a more accessible introduction to programmes
- have clear guidance across all programmes e.g. call enquiry
- provide workshops/training to support smaller and locally rooted organisations that haven't applied before
- provide opportunities for similar organisations, delivery or geography, to connect
- share research led and supported by the foundation and key partners
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
The ABL team have been very understanding, supportive and accommodating.
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Feb 6, 2024
Thank you so much for your review. We’re working to make our website and application process clearer and more accessible, so we really appreciate your constructive feedback. We’ll share your thoughts and suggestions with the team.
Aug 7, 2023
applied in 2023
Think carefully about stage 1 of the application and don't take it for granted what will be asked at stage 2 if successful. It’s hard to get the level of detail they expect into the space they give for the stage 1 application. Don't assume you will be able to expand on some of the elements they mention into the stage 2 part, so really consider the process as you will have to wait 12 months if rejected to apply again.
Pros
Insightful
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Applied and not funded
If you were funded tell us the outcome
What year was this experience?
2023
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Feb 6, 2024
Thank you for your review – we appreciate your feedback and will take this on board as we review our application processes.
May 18, 2023
Funded for greater amount - applied in 2022
Be open-minded. Take time to look at the information available on the website as this gives really good insight into the various funds and opportunities. Sign up to take part in webinars which help explain the fund and the criteria etc. Further support is available from grants advisors too and this is really helpful.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for greater amount
What year was this experience?
2022
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
PHF is a fabulous funder to work with, they are genuinely interested in the projects they fund and it is more of a partnership rather than an arms length relationship. Very valuable experience to be involved in.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Ongoing support, training for project participants, visits to projects, support for evaluation.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Feb 6, 2024
Thanks for your review, we’re pleased to hear you had a positive experience applying for funding and we appreciate your time and insight.
Jan 10, 2022
Other - applied in 2019
The first stage application asks lots of organisational questions. There was no request for a business case, or elements there of, yet feedback given was that there was no project information.
Pros
Culturally sensitive
Understands nonprofits and issues
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Applied and not funded
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Other
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Average
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Funds quality artistic programmes
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Decrease the length of time between initial discussion and response.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
The funds are incredibly competitive and the turn around time is long. Because the fund is so oversubscribed, they can be incredibly precise about what they want to fund.
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Oct 24, 2023
applied in 2023
You will only receive one meeting/advice call over the total journey of building a proposal.
The application form is very long and the questions are complicated. It will take hours to complete the first stage and even when you think you have answered everything and have a strong application you will be declined.
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Applied and not funded
If you were funded tell us the outcome
What year was this experience?
2023
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Poor
These questions are not in clear language, they are repetitive. It would be better if they were outcomes orientated. The Word form is incredibly limited for editing and therefore collaborating. The website categories are ambiguous, hard to decipher.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Poor
The explanation given for a decline does not match our perception. We are an experienced and intelligent team and would just like to be given straightforward, honest feedback.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Pick up the phone, make time for a five minute conversation with your applicants.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Poor
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Feb 6, 2024
We’re so sorry to hear that you found the application process so time consuming and complicated. We really appreciate your constructive feedback and will take this on board as we review our application processes.
Oct 17, 2023
Other - applied in 2023
Ensure you read the guidance specifc to the fund/programme you are applying under and push for an enquiry call - criteria for this is different for each programme.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Friendly
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Applied and not funded
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Other
What year was this experience?
2023
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Average
The site is easy to navigate and there is a lot of helpful information. The similarity between fund/programme names is confusing and the criteria for a requesting an enquiry call is different for each programme, which is confusing. We collect data in accordance with the Office for National Statistics - this is updated yearly or when there are notable changes to personnel. It would be helpful if there was a consistent framework for the sector.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
The Foundation is leading example of good practice and governance. You clearly take both a reactive approach - as seen throughout the pandemic - and proactive strategy, responding to the diverse and complex needs of communities in the UK and India.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Is proactive, passionate and advocates for the creative and voluntary sector - setting a standard for others to follow.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Greater support for organisations applying to the Foundation for the first time - especially when they have such promising ideas but not a dedicated fundraising team other organisations may have. - provide a more accessible introduction to programmes - have clear guidance across all programmes e.g. call enquiry - provide workshops/training to support smaller and locally rooted organisations that haven't applied before - provide opportunities for similar organisations, delivery or geography, to connect - share research led and supported by the foundation and key partners
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
The ABL team have been very understanding, supportive and accommodating.
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Feb 6, 2024
Thank you so much for your review. We’re working to make our website and application process clearer and more accessible, so we really appreciate your constructive feedback. We’ll share your thoughts and suggestions with the team.
Aug 7, 2023
applied in 2023
Think carefully about stage 1 of the application and don't take it for granted what will be asked at stage 2 if successful. It’s hard to get the level of detail they expect into the space they give for the stage 1 application. Don't assume you will be able to expand on some of the elements they mention into the stage 2 part, so really consider the process as you will have to wait 12 months if rejected to apply again.
Pros
Insightful
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Applied and not funded
If you were funded tell us the outcome
What year was this experience?
2023
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Feb 6, 2024
Thank you for your review – we appreciate your feedback and will take this on board as we review our application processes.
May 18, 2023
Funded for greater amount - applied in 2022
Be open-minded. Take time to look at the information available on the website as this gives really good insight into the various funds and opportunities. Sign up to take part in webinars which help explain the fund and the criteria etc. Further support is available from grants advisors too and this is really helpful.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for greater amount
What year was this experience?
2022
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
PHF is a fabulous funder to work with, they are genuinely interested in the projects they fund and it is more of a partnership rather than an arms length relationship. Very valuable experience to be involved in.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Ongoing support, training for project participants, visits to projects, support for evaluation.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Feb 6, 2024
Thanks for your review, we’re pleased to hear you had a positive experience applying for funding and we appreciate your time and insight.
Jan 10, 2022
Other - applied in 2019
The first stage application asks lots of organisational questions. There was no request for a business case, or elements there of, yet feedback given was that there was no project information.
Pros
Culturally sensitive
Understands nonprofits and issues
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Applied and not funded
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Other
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Average
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Funds quality artistic programmes
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Decrease the length of time between initial discussion and response.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
The funds are incredibly competitive and the turn around time is long. Because the fund is so oversubscribed, they can be incredibly precise about what they want to fund.