Steve Morgan Foundation
The Steve Morgan Foundation is passionately committed to changing lives for good, by working with partners that make a positive difference to those in need. Founded in 2001 by businessman and philanthropist, Steve Morgan CBE, we provide funding, support, expertise and best practice to the charities and organisations we support. By harnessing the power of working together, we address a range of areas including poverty, homelessness, health and wellbeing, and education and training, and have helped to improve the quality of life for more than 3 million people.
Overview
Total reviews: 19
Median 5 hours
Latest Reviews
Jul 6, 2023
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2023
Do it. Be honest and straightforward to earn the respect of this funder.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
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?
2023
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Friendly, approachable, easy to deal with. And saved our charity. We wouldn't have been able to continue without the Steve Morgan Foundation
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
I don't know much about it's written down goals, but I know that the Steve Morgan Foundation funds a lot of the smaller organisations - the ones that couldn't survive otherwise - and has an excellent reputation for doing so.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Relatively quick to process the application and were very clear from the outset about their requirements prior to funding being awarded. No unnecessary hoops to jump through.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Carry on doing what you are doing. You are invaluable in circumstances where there is very little other help for those who are supported by charities like ours (refugees, people seeking asylum and people of equivalent need)
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 Steve Morgan Foundation really seems to care about what is going on locally and is aware of the need to bridge the gap between what is provided by the state and what is actually required to enable families to live comfortably.
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Jul 6, 2023
Funded for lesser amount - applied in 2022
As a small charity we generate income from a variety of sources but also must top up our income with grants . We have become somewhat experts in applying for grants from trust and foundations and hand on heart can say that Steve Morgan process is so much more effective, and streamlined . We have applied and been unsuccessful for many grants and we have applied and been successful with SMF so we have a dual perspective as a successful applicant and unsuccessful on a former occasion.
Their process is fair and focused and we welcomed the visits to our organisation by SMF team and Trustee. So many application processes are paper based with on line forms with character based applications which are very time consuming followed by lots of information required which is hugely disproportionate to the amount requested. Often third sector organisations are under resourced combined with huge demands for their services. Cumbersome grant processes put already stretched resources under more pressure With accounts and annual reports published on line and site visits or zoom calls a lot or grant makers would benefit from following SMF approach . There is a genuine interest in what we do both when we failed first time round and our second successful attempt .
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
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 lesser amount
What year was this experience?
2022
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
It is appreciated that all grant funders recieve more grant application than they can support so difficult decisions must be made . they have a very approachable system . SMF really did take time to listen and their team provided great support and advice . Not only are we hugely grateful for the funding but it is a geninue pleasure doing business with SMF
The Trustee who visited asked intensive and rigorous questions and drilled down into the detail , more so than other grant funders but we actually enjoyed it . It showed that you were interested to understand about our organisation and to support us.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
this funder really cares about making a difference and transforming lives in our region. they put their money where their mouth is and we are very grateful
As a small charity we generate income from a variety of sources but also must top up our income with grants . We have become somewhat experts in applying for grants from trust and foundations and hand on heart can say that Steve Morgan process is so much more effective, and streamlined . We have applied and been unsuccessful for many grants and we have applied and been successful with SMF so we have a dual perspective as a successful applicant and unsuccessful on a former occasion.
Their process is fair and focused and we welcomed the visits to our organisation by SMF team and Trustee. So many application processes are paper based with on line forms with character based applications which are very time consuming followed by lots of information required which is hugely disproportionate to the amount requested. Often third sector organisations are under resourced combined with huge demands for their services. Cumbersome grant processes put already stretched resources under more pressure With accounts and annual reports published on line and site visits or zoom calls a lot or grant makers would benefit from following SMF approach . There is a genuine interest in what we do both when we failed first time round and our second successful attempt .
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
they are very approachable and really get to know the organisation to enable them to make an informed decision rather than just responding to a written application and turnaround on decisions is really quick.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
keep doing what you are doing you really have got one of the most streamlined and user friendly grant making processes out there . It is really disheartening when you submit bid after bid through a face less process and get rejected whereas SMF speak to us and even when we were unsuccessful first time round they gave us great advice and feedback.
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?
Do your homework , look at their website see who they have funded before and see if your project meets their priorities and if you dont succeed try again
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Jul 6, 2023
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2022
They like detail, and solid outcomes and are by far the most relatable funder
Pros
Positive leader in the field
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 amount requested
What year was this experience?
2022
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
Communication is always superb
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Jul 6, 2023
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2023
Be honest with the Steve Morgan staff they have many years experience and if you are open and honest with them they will try their very best to support your application and guide you through the process. Unlike other grant givers they listen to you and understand the sector. With this Foundation there is mutual respect.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
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?
2023
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
From the first phone call to SM Foundation in 2016 I have been confident that they welcome the applicant to make contact with them. The Steve Morgan Foundation works in equal partnership with the applicants for the benefit of the most needy people in Merseyside and North Wales.
The application process is transparent and easy to work through.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
A day rarely goes by in North Wales when I hear somebody say have you spoken to Steve Morgan about a project.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Makes the applicant feel valued and makes a real effort to understand our work.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
No advice to offer please just keep on doing what you do.
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?
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Jul 6, 2023
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2022
Very thorough with due diligence e.g requests for in-depth financial information so be very prepared beforehand
Pros
Friendly
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
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?
2022
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.
Jul 6, 2023
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2023
Do it. Be honest and straightforward to earn the respect of this funder.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
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?
2023
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Friendly, approachable, easy to deal with. And saved our charity. We wouldn't have been able to continue without the Steve Morgan Foundation
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
I don't know much about it's written down goals, but I know that the Steve Morgan Foundation funds a lot of the smaller organisations - the ones that couldn't survive otherwise - and has an excellent reputation for doing so.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Relatively quick to process the application and were very clear from the outset about their requirements prior to funding being awarded. No unnecessary hoops to jump through.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Carry on doing what you are doing. You are invaluable in circumstances where there is very little other help for those who are supported by charities like ours (refugees, people seeking asylum and people of equivalent need)
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 Steve Morgan Foundation really seems to care about what is going on locally and is aware of the need to bridge the gap between what is provided by the state and what is actually required to enable families to live comfortably.
Jul 6, 2023
Funded for lesser amount - applied in 2022
As a small charity we generate income from a variety of sources but also must top up our income with grants . We have become somewhat experts in applying for grants from trust and foundations and hand on heart can say that Steve Morgan process is so much more effective, and streamlined . We have applied and been unsuccessful for many grants and we have applied and been successful with SMF so we have a dual perspective as a successful applicant and unsuccessful on a former occasion.
Their process is fair and focused and we welcomed the visits to our organisation by SMF team and Trustee. So many application processes are paper based with on line forms with character based applications which are very time consuming followed by lots of information required which is hugely disproportionate to the amount requested. Often third sector organisations are under resourced combined with huge demands for their services. Cumbersome grant processes put already stretched resources under more pressure With accounts and annual reports published on line and site visits or zoom calls a lot or grant makers would benefit from following SMF approach . There is a genuine interest in what we do both when we failed first time round and our second successful attempt .
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
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 lesser amount
What year was this experience?
2022
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
It is appreciated that all grant funders recieve more grant application than they can support so difficult decisions must be made . they have a very approachable system . SMF really did take time to listen and their team provided great support and advice . Not only are we hugely grateful for the funding but it is a geninue pleasure doing business with SMF The Trustee who visited asked intensive and rigorous questions and drilled down into the detail , more so than other grant funders but we actually enjoyed it . It showed that you were interested to understand about our organisation and to support us.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
this funder really cares about making a difference and transforming lives in our region. they put their money where their mouth is and we are very grateful As a small charity we generate income from a variety of sources but also must top up our income with grants . We have become somewhat experts in applying for grants from trust and foundations and hand on heart can say that Steve Morgan process is so much more effective, and streamlined . We have applied and been unsuccessful for many grants and we have applied and been successful with SMF so we have a dual perspective as a successful applicant and unsuccessful on a former occasion. Their process is fair and focused and we welcomed the visits to our organisation by SMF team and Trustee. So many application processes are paper based with on line forms with character based applications which are very time consuming followed by lots of information required which is hugely disproportionate to the amount requested. Often third sector organisations are under resourced combined with huge demands for their services. Cumbersome grant processes put already stretched resources under more pressure With accounts and annual reports published on line and site visits or zoom calls a lot or grant makers would benefit from following SMF approach . There is a genuine interest in what we do both when we failed first time round and our second successful attempt .
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
they are very approachable and really get to know the organisation to enable them to make an informed decision rather than just responding to a written application and turnaround on decisions is really quick.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
keep doing what you are doing you really have got one of the most streamlined and user friendly grant making processes out there . It is really disheartening when you submit bid after bid through a face less process and get rejected whereas SMF speak to us and even when we were unsuccessful first time round they gave us great advice and feedback.
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?
Do your homework , look at their website see who they have funded before and see if your project meets their priorities and if you dont succeed try again
Jul 6, 2023
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2022
They like detail, and solid outcomes and are by far the most relatable funder
Pros
Positive leader in the field
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 amount requested
What year was this experience?
2022
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
Communication is always superb
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Jul 6, 2023
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2023
Be honest with the Steve Morgan staff they have many years experience and if you are open and honest with them they will try their very best to support your application and guide you through the process. Unlike other grant givers they listen to you and understand the sector. With this Foundation there is mutual respect.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
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?
2023
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
From the first phone call to SM Foundation in 2016 I have been confident that they welcome the applicant to make contact with them. The Steve Morgan Foundation works in equal partnership with the applicants for the benefit of the most needy people in Merseyside and North Wales. The application process is transparent and easy to work through.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
A day rarely goes by in North Wales when I hear somebody say have you spoken to Steve Morgan about a project.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Makes the applicant feel valued and makes a real effort to understand our work.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
No advice to offer please just keep on doing what you do.
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?
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Jul 6, 2023
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2022
Very thorough with due diligence e.g requests for in-depth financial information so be very prepared beforehand
Pros
Friendly
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
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?
2022
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