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
Jul 4, 2019
Funded for greater amount - applied in 2019
Involve the funder in forming and refining the strategic vision of the project. Be up front and honest about challenges and don't be afraid to ask for advice. Think carefully about how you can explain the strategy and plans succinctly for the application.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Understands nonprofits and issues
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?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Always accessible and helpful.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Funds strategically and according to the vision.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Encourages and facilitates collaboration.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Ensure that grant renewals can start when the previous grants ends (so that there is clarity on jobs etc).
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?
Has expertise that can be incredibly useful
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Many thanks for your feedback and the helpful advice to applicants. We’re glad to hear that you’ve found working with us to be a positive experience.
Jul 2, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2014
You need to make sure that you do your research and apply for something that really fits their criteria. It helps to have a personal relationship, or an email introduction from someone they already fund / support / admire. Be prepared for a very thorough application process, but that in itself is a rare treat to have your ideas tested with such rigour.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
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 amount requested
What year was this experience?
2014
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
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
Consider all aspects of what you want to do - rigorously interrogate ideas
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
The best thing is the rigour they put an applicant's idea through, but the counter to this is that they can be slow to respond to ideas or requests that might need a more rapid response, so finding ways to be more fleet of foot when circumstances require would be useful in some cases.
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
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks for this constructive feedback, we will log this with our teams and consider what we can do to improve our processes.
Jun 28, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2017
The foundation has a fantastic website and we would suggest they read information about PHF funds and programmes. If eligible to apply there are clear and comprehensive guidance notes about how to apply for funding, including frequently asked questions on the website. Reassuringly PHF are clear about the process and when applicants will receive feedback.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
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 amount requested
What year was this experience?
2017
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Extremely well. PHF has a clear strategy, with six strategic priorities and it is evident from the list of case studies and the annual review that they are fulfilling their goals.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
How they gather evidence from grantees to inform their grant making.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Please continue with the really clear communication with applicants and grantees, it is very much appreciated.
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 Foundation is much more than a distribute of funds, they regularly undertake work to review their grant-making, considering grantees needs and results to inform their effectiveness as a grant maker. Staff and trustees have a wealth of experience and skills, listen to grantees and share learning.
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for sharing your experience. We're pleased to hear that you found the application process clear and straightforward.
Jun 27, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2017
Try and build a relationship first. Talk through your ideas and listen to advice - don't be too precious about your idea.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Openminded
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 amount requested
What year was this experience?
2017
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
I have found PHF as an organisation extremely accessible. Their staff were always open and supportive. Our Grants Officer is brilliant.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
They probably did more - they also helped with introductions to other organisations/people doing interesting work. Which was useful.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
They ask all the right questions. Even though it created more work it made us think more about our idea and that was useful in the long run.
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
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks for your review, it's great to hear that you felt well supported.
Jul 4, 2019
Funded for greater amount - applied in 2019
Involve the funder in forming and refining the strategic vision of the project. Be up front and honest about challenges and don't be afraid to ask for advice. Think carefully about how you can explain the strategy and plans succinctly for the application.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Understands nonprofits and issues
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?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Always accessible and helpful.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Funds strategically and according to the vision.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Encourages and facilitates collaboration.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Ensure that grant renewals can start when the previous grants ends (so that there is clarity on jobs etc).
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?
Has expertise that can be incredibly useful
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Many thanks for your feedback and the helpful advice to applicants. We’re glad to hear that you’ve found working with us to be a positive experience.
Jul 2, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2014
You need to make sure that you do your research and apply for something that really fits their criteria. It helps to have a personal relationship, or an email introduction from someone they already fund / support / admire. Be prepared for a very thorough application process, but that in itself is a rare treat to have your ideas tested with such rigour.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
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 amount requested
What year was this experience?
2014
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
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
Consider all aspects of what you want to do - rigorously interrogate ideas
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
The best thing is the rigour they put an applicant's idea through, but the counter to this is that they can be slow to respond to ideas or requests that might need a more rapid response, so finding ways to be more fleet of foot when circumstances require would be useful in some cases.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks for this constructive feedback, we will log this with our teams and consider what we can do to improve our processes.
Jun 28, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2017
The foundation has a fantastic website and we would suggest they read information about PHF funds and programmes. If eligible to apply there are clear and comprehensive guidance notes about how to apply for funding, including frequently asked questions on the website. Reassuringly PHF are clear about the process and when applicants will receive feedback.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
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 amount requested
What year was this experience?
2017
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Extremely well. PHF has a clear strategy, with six strategic priorities and it is evident from the list of case studies and the annual review that they are fulfilling their goals.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
How they gather evidence from grantees to inform their grant making.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Please continue with the really clear communication with applicants and grantees, it is very much appreciated.
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 Foundation is much more than a distribute of funds, they regularly undertake work to review their grant-making, considering grantees needs and results to inform their effectiveness as a grant maker. Staff and trustees have a wealth of experience and skills, listen to grantees and share learning.
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for sharing your experience. We're pleased to hear that you found the application process clear and straightforward.
Jun 27, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2017
Try and build a relationship first. Talk through your ideas and listen to advice - don't be too precious about your idea.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Openminded
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 amount requested
What year was this experience?
2017
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
I have found PHF as an organisation extremely accessible. Their staff were always open and supportive. Our Grants Officer is brilliant.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
They probably did more - they also helped with introductions to other organisations/people doing interesting work. Which was useful.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
They ask all the right questions. Even though it created more work it made us think more about our idea and that was useful in the long run.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks for your review, it's great to hear that you felt well supported.