About Paul Hamlyn Foundation

Four young women stand together in conversation. Photo credit: Anisa Fazal
Stay and Play Event at Ort Gallery. Photo credit: Anisa Fazal

At Paul Hamlyn Foundation, we work collaboratively with organisations and individuals who are working to build a just society.

About the Foundation

Paul Hamlyn arrived in the UK as a migrant in 1933. He started his first book selling business in 1949 and went on to make his fortune in publishing. When he died in 2001, he left most of his estate to the Foundation, creating one of the largest independent grant-making organisations in the UK.

 Photo credit: Sylvie Pope
Photo credit: Sylvie Pope

Our mission for change

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 put them at the heart of leading change and designing solutions to overcome inequality.

Two young girls are in a classroom, mid-dance. They have their arms crossed out in front of them, one above the other Photo credit: Camilla Adams
Light Up School Learning, Travelling Light Theatre Company. Photo credit: Camilla Adams

Our vision for the future

Our vision for the future is a just society in which everyone, especially young people, can realise their full potential and enjoy fulfilling and creative lives.

A smiling woman is holding string up to a fabric artwork. The artwork isn't in frame, but the woman is wearing brightly patterned dress with flowing fabric and a badge that says 'Big Ting' Photo credit: Elzbieta Piekacz
Fabric memories workshop led by Karen Arthur as part of Women’s History Month event at the Migration Museum. Photo credit: Elzbieta Piekacz

The grant has given us the security to be able to think and work strategically, rather than constantly reacting from moment to moment … It’s allowed us to actually invest in our political education programme and plan for more long-term themes that we want to explore.

Mona Bani, Managing Director of Revoke, funded through our Migration Fund

Our values

Collaboration and connection

We believe in the power of working together to achieve a greater impact.

Trust

Trust is at the heart of strong relationships.

Openness

Openness is key to building trust and enabling collaboration.

Thoughtfulness

Every decision we take has an impact on someone, so we strive to think about others with kindness.

Photo credit: Rachel Cherry 

Thinking of applying for a grant? 

Find out more about our funds and our funding principles.