Mission and values

Our founder, Paul Hamlyn (1926–2001), believed in a fair society in which people could achieve their potential, free from prejudice and disadvantage. He wanted people to access, enjoy and benefit from the arts, and he wanted to improve opportunities and life chances for young people. He was also a risk-taker, who built his success on developing new approaches to overcoming challenges.

Reflecting these values, our strategic priorities show the areas where we want to help organisations and individuals effect change. Select an area to see how we can support you.

Our strategic priorities

Nurturing ideas and people

We want to support imaginative people to nurture exciting ideas

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Arts access and participation

We want to widen access and participation in the arts

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Education & learning through the arts

We want to improve people's education and learning through the arts

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Arts Evidence

We want to show that the arts make a difference to people's lives

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Investing in young people

We want to support the development and growth of organisations investing in young people

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Migration and integration

We want to support young people who migrate, and strengthen integration so that communities can live well together

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How to apply for funding

Information to help guide you to the fund(s) that best match your aims.

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Work we've funded

Find out who we have supported in your region and area of interest with our searchable grants database

Browse the database

Our work in India

We support NGOs in India working in development sectors including health, education, women's and children's rights, political representation and local governance.

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Top stories

Read the latest blogs, articles, news and publications from Paul Hamlyn Foundation

News | 23 Jan 2019

Act for Change Fund awards first grants to young people...

The Act for Change Fund is a £3.6 million partnership between Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, matched by the #iwill Fund, for organisations supporting young people working for change. The #iwill Fund was announced in November 2016 and brings together £40 million of joint funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Big Lottery Fund,...

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News | 20 Nov 2018

Awards for Artists 2018 Announced

“Civilisations are remembered and judged, not necessarily on the politics of the day - but by the art produced by us.” -- Guest speaker, Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE, Artistic Director of the Young Vic We are pleased to announce the recipients of Awards for Artists 2018, following a reception on 20 November. Visual Artists Becky Beasley, Anthea Hamilton, Simon Ling, Matt Stokes, Anne...

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News | 31 Oct 2018

Backbone Fund awards £1.3m to bolster sector voice

Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) has made grants totalling £1.3m to seven organisations selected in the latest round of the Backbone Fund. The aim of the funding is to champion the vital role that these organisations play in building resilience within the sectors in which we have an interest. The fund is unrestricted and makes a lasting commitment of up to £50,000 annually for up to five years...

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News | 27 Sep 2018

Paul Hamlyn Foundation releases Review of UK Grant-making 2018

Today Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) publishes the Review of UK Grant-making 2018. This report analyses learning from around 450 grants, from three years of grant-making under the current strategy. A rich data source for grantees, funders and those active in the fields in which we operate, the report pulls together emerging challenges, trends and the outcomes being pursued in efforts to...

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