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: 31
Median 22.5 hours
Latest Reviews
Jan 11, 2024
applied in 2024
Firstly, we absolutely adore all that Paul Hamlyn stands for and what they wish to achieve in the world but, sadly, I think I might advise a colleague to think twice about applying. As a funder, they are clearly oversubscribed and hence having to reject applications according to criteria that are potentially subjective rather than clearer outcomes based criteria. We are a highly experienced grants team yet we found there appears to be a disconnect between the complexity of the organisational questions being asked on the application in stage 1 (and the relatively little amount of space to describe the project itself) and then the resulting feedback that seems to have unrealistic expectations of what was reasonably possible within their word count. We felt most of the feedback did not seem to correspond with our understanding of the reality of the application. Many of those areas could very easily have been responded to given the chance. Eg saying a 60% disabled led organisation had not demonstrated it was "inclusive" when the application form had extensively set out how we were. Or saying we didn't articulate how we learn and share when we did so extensively. As such, we found some of the feedback slightly perplexing.
They did, however, say they were oversubscribed and needing to turn down even strong applications so that part felt understandable and honest. So I might prepare a colleague to be very realistic about their chances of potential success.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Risk taker
Insightful
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
What year was this experience?
2024
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Average
Not easy to pick up the phone to this funder or find a way to create a relationship of any sort at the outset. We can see they have a need to stem demand but wonder if enabling more contact or online webinars would be more effective at heading off applications at the pass.
The organisational questions and specific project related questions seem a bit mixed up together in terms of the proposal itself. Complex language and concepts that are difficult to objectively measure. Many of the inclusion related organisational questions are also left to the application form itself and so there was a risk of having to repeat oneself for fear that the info on the application might get divorced from the actual proposal.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Huge admirer of this funder that aligns so strongly with our mission but it does feel like one of those funder unicorns that may be too out of reach! Shame as would love to work with them as we hear great things about them if you can get through the door...
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
The Paul Hamlyn Foundation leads the funding sector with compassion and focus. Inspiring.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
This funder articulates its purpose strongly. It possibly feels too out of reach and may be overly ambitious in the way its application procedures work in potentially inadvertently excluding strong, inclusive organisations. We wonder if the large rate of requests for initial calls of over 700 shows a desire for greater initial clarity.
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?
When we actually spoke to someone they were incredibly helpful and apologetic about any delays etc Very human touch and clearly a very compassionate team of people who understand the difficulties of having to wait for bid results etc
Thank you for the short but sweet interaction!
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 taking the time to respond. We appreciate your thoughtful feedback on our application process. This is so helpful and we’re always looking to make improvements – we will share your comments with the team.
Jan 9, 2024
applied in 2023
This is a long process so make sure you follow the guidelines exactly.
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
Email response was quick
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Average
We are based in Scotland and unsure of the impact the charity has across the UK.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
The application is very long and takes considerable time and effort. It would be a better idea to have an expression of interest in the first instance and a staged application process. Also if the funders criteria is for a 3 year period this should be a fixed field in the application and not an option that if made in error could impact the decision.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Average
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 this constructive feedback, and we’re sorry to hear you found the application process so time-consuming. We will share your thoughts with the team and consider how we can address this going forwards.
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.
Jan 11, 2024
applied in 2024
Firstly, we absolutely adore all that Paul Hamlyn stands for and what they wish to achieve in the world but, sadly, I think I might advise a colleague to think twice about applying. As a funder, they are clearly oversubscribed and hence having to reject applications according to criteria that are potentially subjective rather than clearer outcomes based criteria. We are a highly experienced grants team yet we found there appears to be a disconnect between the complexity of the organisational questions being asked on the application in stage 1 (and the relatively little amount of space to describe the project itself) and then the resulting feedback that seems to have unrealistic expectations of what was reasonably possible within their word count. We felt most of the feedback did not seem to correspond with our understanding of the reality of the application. Many of those areas could very easily have been responded to given the chance. Eg saying a 60% disabled led organisation had not demonstrated it was "inclusive" when the application form had extensively set out how we were. Or saying we didn't articulate how we learn and share when we did so extensively. As such, we found some of the feedback slightly perplexing.
They did, however, say they were oversubscribed and needing to turn down even strong applications so that part felt understandable and honest. So I might prepare a colleague to be very realistic about their chances of potential success.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Risk taker
Insightful
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
What year was this experience?
2024
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Average
Not easy to pick up the phone to this funder or find a way to create a relationship of any sort at the outset. We can see they have a need to stem demand but wonder if enabling more contact or online webinars would be more effective at heading off applications at the pass. The organisational questions and specific project related questions seem a bit mixed up together in terms of the proposal itself. Complex language and concepts that are difficult to objectively measure. Many of the inclusion related organisational questions are also left to the application form itself and so there was a risk of having to repeat oneself for fear that the info on the application might get divorced from the actual proposal.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Huge admirer of this funder that aligns so strongly with our mission but it does feel like one of those funder unicorns that may be too out of reach! Shame as would love to work with them as we hear great things about them if you can get through the door...
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
The Paul Hamlyn Foundation leads the funding sector with compassion and focus. Inspiring.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
This funder articulates its purpose strongly. It possibly feels too out of reach and may be overly ambitious in the way its application procedures work in potentially inadvertently excluding strong, inclusive organisations. We wonder if the large rate of requests for initial calls of over 700 shows a desire for greater initial clarity.
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?
When we actually spoke to someone they were incredibly helpful and apologetic about any delays etc Very human touch and clearly a very compassionate team of people who understand the difficulties of having to wait for bid results etc Thank you for the short but sweet interaction!
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Feb 6, 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. We appreciate your thoughtful feedback on our application process. This is so helpful and we’re always looking to make improvements – we will share your comments with the team.
Jan 9, 2024
applied in 2023
This is a long process so make sure you follow the guidelines exactly.
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
Email response was quick
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Average
We are based in Scotland and unsure of the impact the charity has across the UK.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
The application is very long and takes considerable time and effort. It would be a better idea to have an expression of interest in the first instance and a staged application process. Also if the funders criteria is for a 3 year period this should be a fixed field in the application and not an option that if made in error could impact the decision.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Average
Reply from Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Feb 6, 2024
Thanks for this constructive feedback, and we’re sorry to hear you found the application process so time-consuming. We will share your thoughts with the team and consider how we can address this going forwards.
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.