How to apply

Choose the right programme

Our funding programmes are: Arts; Education and learning; and Social justice. We also work in India. Decide whether your work fits one of our programmes. We no longer have a Small Grants programme for grants up to £5,000.  Organisations of any size may apply for any amount provided the proposal meets the aims of the grants scheme.

Special Initiative or Open Grant Scheme?

Within each Programme, there are Special Initiatives and an Open Grant Scheme. Special initiatives are targeted, time-limited programmes with specific criteria. Applications can be made to Open Grant Schemes at any time. Decide whether your proposal fits the aims of one of our Special Initiatives or an Open Grants Scheme.

Check eligibility

Use our online eligibility checker to ensure that your organisation is eligible to apply. Even if you are eligible, you will need to meet the criteria of the particular Special Initiative or Open Grant Scheme under which you are applying.

Make an Outline Application

If you passed the eligibility check you will be able to make an Outline Application online. Read the form carefully and then draft answers to the longer questions in your word processing package.  These can be Cut & Pasted into your application.  PLEASE NOTE: Do not use Tabs, Bullet Points, Numbering or Tables as this will prevent your application from reaching us. (Please see FAQs for additional advice). Don't forget to save your form regularly.

What happens next?

You will receive an automatic confirmation when you send your Outline Application.  If you don't, please contact us immediately.

You will be contacted within four weeks of your submission. If we decide to take your application further, a grants officer will contact you to help you develop your application in more detail.

This does not mean you will definitely receive funding from the Foundation. Unfortunately there are many worthwhile projects that we cannot fund.

What if you're not eligible?

There are many funding organisations you can contact if you are not eligible for the Paul Hamlyn Foundation's current programmes, or if your Outline Application is not accepted. Read more...