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: 21
Median 5 hours
Latest Reviews
Jan 17, 2025
Funded for greater amount - applied in 2024
Ensure you have read their thorough guidelines and you clearly follow what has been requested.
Pros
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 greater amount
What year was this experience?
2024
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
I understand it is currently challenging across the sector and funding demand is greater than ever but the fact the team made time to answer calls/emails and give guidance meant the time our charity invested was worth while.
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
The process was very thorough and communication was excellent, keeping us updated after the application was submitted. Ruth was an absolute joy to work with, she was very transparent throughout, discussed options which led to a larger grant than expected and next steps were always made clear. [Name] felt like one of our team by the end! Her efforts in getting to know our charity and meeting our service team was recognised across the organisation and by myself. We're very excited about this partnership and hope we meet their expectations as they have excelled ours!
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're doing - you're listening and responding to what is needed!
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Jan 10, 2025
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2024
The application process is very thorough, from start to finish
This was not just a matter of completing an online application and waiting for a response. The grants manager took time to understand our work and charity mission and how that fits in with the commitment of the Steve Morgan Foundation, to changing lives for good.
It really helped us as an organisation applying for funding to talk through our work, to drill down into what we most needed funding for and how this fits in with the bigger picture of our fundraising strategy. This enabled us to focus and present the best business case for funding possible.
There was a genuine interest in our work and how funding from SMF would support and enhance that
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
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?
2024
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
It was always easy to get in touch, however understandably the volume of applications received made the process longer than we had first anticipated. However, we were updated whenever we made contact.
The online application was a little challenging but that was an operating system issues rather than a design fault with the form
We were able to describe our organisation fully
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
Builds a relationship with the organisation making an application, offers feedback and support.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
I think the experience of Steve Morgan Foundation and their knowledge of the location and community need, is expressed throughout the application process and in their commitment to building partnerships with community organisations.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Nov 13, 2024
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2024
Familiarise with the new online process for applying for funding. Not to be afraid to ask questions. Expect at least one visit to discuss the application. Demonstrate the impact the project will make and be able to outline their current financial position.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
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?
2024
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
The Steve Morgan Foundation demonstrates a deep understanding of the social value that local projects contribute. They recognise the challenges faced by charities and provide encouragement that inspires perseverance. This support helps charities feel appreciated and proud of their accomplishments.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
To offer longer term funding options .
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Nov 5, 2024
Funded for lesser amount - applied in 2024
This is a really easy application process intially, the form is not too long and is easy accessable. Thr process is swfit, proefessional and set out in a good time manner
Pros
Gives more than money
Culturally sensitive
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?
2024
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
This is a very supportive funder we are very lucky to operate in the area in which we can apply
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Communicates really well, empathic and supportive
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Giive us more scope on the applcation form to expand
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Nov 1, 2024
Funded for lesser amount - applied in 2024
Read all the eligibility criteria and if you feel you meet this, then phone the Foundation to chat through your planned application. The team are really helpful and will do their best advise/answer your questions. Find out how long the process is currently taking and which Trustee meeting your application is likely to be considered at so that you can ensure your budget and timings fit.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Grant currently pending
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for lesser amount
What year was this experience?
2024
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
I just want to say that I think the Steve Morgan are a brilliant funder. They really want to build relationships with their grantees and offer their support and expertise, not just offer financial support. . They don't just give the grant and then wait for the end of grant report. You know that you can contact them at any time to discuss any challenges you may be having. They have vast knowledge of the sector, are totally professional, but also friendly and are very approachable. Just so glad they are based in our region! Theiir annual conferences are awesome!
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
They build relationships with their grantees and want to make site visits so that they can see first hand how the charity operates and get a better understanding of the impact that their grant is making.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Just keep doing what you are doing - you are an incredible funder!
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Jan 17, 2025
Funded for greater amount - applied in 2024
Ensure you have read their thorough guidelines and you clearly follow what has been requested.
Pros
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 greater amount
What year was this experience?
2024
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
I understand it is currently challenging across the sector and funding demand is greater than ever but the fact the team made time to answer calls/emails and give guidance meant the time our charity invested was worth while.
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
The process was very thorough and communication was excellent, keeping us updated after the application was submitted. Ruth was an absolute joy to work with, she was very transparent throughout, discussed options which led to a larger grant than expected and next steps were always made clear. [Name] felt like one of our team by the end! Her efforts in getting to know our charity and meeting our service team was recognised across the organisation and by myself. We're very excited about this partnership and hope we meet their expectations as they have excelled ours!
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're doing - you're listening and responding to what is needed!
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Jan 10, 2025
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2024
The application process is very thorough, from start to finish
This was not just a matter of completing an online application and waiting for a response. The grants manager took time to understand our work and charity mission and how that fits in with the commitment of the Steve Morgan Foundation, to changing lives for good.
It really helped us as an organisation applying for funding to talk through our work, to drill down into what we most needed funding for and how this fits in with the bigger picture of our fundraising strategy. This enabled us to focus and present the best business case for funding possible.
There was a genuine interest in our work and how funding from SMF would support and enhance that
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
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?
2024
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
It was always easy to get in touch, however understandably the volume of applications received made the process longer than we had first anticipated. However, we were updated whenever we made contact. The online application was a little challenging but that was an operating system issues rather than a design fault with the form We were able to describe our organisation fully
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
Builds a relationship with the organisation making an application, offers feedback and support.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
I think the experience of Steve Morgan Foundation and their knowledge of the location and community need, is expressed throughout the application process and in their commitment to building partnerships with community organisations.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Nov 13, 2024
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2024
Familiarise with the new online process for applying for funding. Not to be afraid to ask questions. Expect at least one visit to discuss the application. Demonstrate the impact the project will make and be able to outline their current financial position.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
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?
2024
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
The Steve Morgan Foundation demonstrates a deep understanding of the social value that local projects contribute. They recognise the challenges faced by charities and provide encouragement that inspires perseverance. This support helps charities feel appreciated and proud of their accomplishments.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
To offer longer term funding options .
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Nov 5, 2024
Funded for lesser amount - applied in 2024
This is a really easy application process intially, the form is not too long and is easy accessable. Thr process is swfit, proefessional and set out in a good time manner
Pros
Gives more than money
Culturally sensitive
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?
2024
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
This is a very supportive funder we are very lucky to operate in the area in which we can apply
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Communicates really well, empathic and supportive
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Giive us more scope on the applcation form to expand
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Nov 1, 2024
Funded for lesser amount - applied in 2024
Read all the eligibility criteria and if you feel you meet this, then phone the Foundation to chat through your planned application. The team are really helpful and will do their best advise/answer your questions. Find out how long the process is currently taking and which Trustee meeting your application is likely to be considered at so that you can ensure your budget and timings fit.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
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?
Grant currently pending
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for lesser amount
What year was this experience?
2024
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
I just want to say that I think the Steve Morgan are a brilliant funder. They really want to build relationships with their grantees and offer their support and expertise, not just offer financial support. . They don't just give the grant and then wait for the end of grant report. You know that you can contact them at any time to discuss any challenges you may be having. They have vast knowledge of the sector, are totally professional, but also friendly and are very approachable. Just so glad they are based in our region! Theiir annual conferences are awesome!
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
They build relationships with their grantees and want to make site visits so that they can see first hand how the charity operates and get a better understanding of the impact that their grant is making.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Just keep doing what you are doing - you are an incredible funder!
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent