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: 38
Median 5.5 hours
Latest Reviews
Jul 7, 2023
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2022
You need to know the aims/objectives of your organisation. Your income and expenditure details with a forecast of coming year. You need to be passionate about the work that you do and the difference it will make to the people you support.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
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?
2022
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
The application process is thorough and if you have queries the team are helpful.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
The funder supports so many local projects and is a fantastic foundation.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Keeps in contact with our organisation and follows the work that we do. We have a wonderful ongoing relationship.
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 now!
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 7, 2023
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2023
Understand your project and ensure it fits the priorities of the funder.
Be clear about both the need for and impact of your work.
Where possible include the voice of your service users.
Be realistic about your budget.
Don't waffle.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Builds relationships
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
Very responsive to queries.
Gave useful guidance about what to focus on and how much funding to request.
Demonstrated that they recognise the value of our work.
Understand the importance of funding to our organisation.
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
Ensures there is a true relationship with the organisations that it supports.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
This funder is extremely effective so no advice.
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 7, 2023
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2023
Ensure that you have identified need
Show evidence of outcomes that grant will address
have your budget costs completed with realistic figures
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
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
We like to work with funders who understand the workings of the Charity
SMF knows of our work and has an excellent knowledge of the needs of the community
They worked with our Charity in making the application process easy, our grants officer was easy to approach supportive and very helpful
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Understands the needs and requirements of communities
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
excellent communication
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
visits to communities
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?
No
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
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 7, 2023
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2022
You need to know the aims/objectives of your organisation. Your income and expenditure details with a forecast of coming year. You need to be passionate about the work that you do and the difference it will make to the people you support.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
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?
2022
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
The application process is thorough and if you have queries the team are helpful.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
The funder supports so many local projects and is a fantastic foundation.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Keeps in contact with our organisation and follows the work that we do. We have a wonderful ongoing relationship.
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 now!
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Jul 7, 2023
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2023
Understand your project and ensure it fits the priorities of the funder.
Be clear about both the need for and impact of your work.
Where possible include the voice of your service users.
Be realistic about your budget.
Don't waffle.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Builds relationships
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
Very responsive to queries. Gave useful guidance about what to focus on and how much funding to request. Demonstrated that they recognise the value of our work. Understand the importance of funding to our organisation.
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
Ensures there is a true relationship with the organisations that it supports.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
This funder is extremely effective so no advice.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Jul 7, 2023
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2023
Ensure that you have identified need
Show evidence of outcomes that grant will address
have your budget costs completed with realistic figures
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
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
We like to work with funders who understand the workings of the Charity SMF knows of our work and has an excellent knowledge of the needs of the community They worked with our Charity in making the application process easy, our grants officer was easy to approach supportive and very helpful
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Understands the needs and requirements of communities
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
excellent communication
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
visits to communities
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?
No
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