Access support bursary

Making our application process more accessible. 

Improving access to our funding

We are committed to making our funding application process as accessible to as many people as possible. We value and appreciate the time and effort it takes to put in a funding application, and want to make sure there aren’t unnecessary barriers to applying.

This means we prioritise finding ways to make our application process more accessible. For example, providing sample application forms in Word documents and in large print, so questions can be reviewed and worked on outside of the online application process.

But we know there might still be barriers to applying. We hope by offering a bursary, more D/​deaf, disabled and neurodivergent applicants are supported and encouraged to apply for funding.

Overview of the bursary

If you are interested in applying to one of our funds, you can make an application through our online funding portal. If this route is inaccessible to you on account of disability, impairment or neurodivergence, we can provide a bursary to cover support costs you might need to make an application. 

The bursary is administered independently from our funding, so your use of a bursary will have no effect on whether or not your application for funding is successful.

Bursary amount

We generally offer bursaries of up to £750. This is informed by the historical costs of requests we have received, but we consider each request on a case-by-case basis. If your support cost is higher than this, we strongly encourage you to still get in touch.

You can also request at each stage of the application process, not just when you initially complete the application form. For example, if you require a BSL interpreter to have an enquiry call and also to complete the first stage application, you can request a bursary at each stage.

What access support we cover

This support can vary and we will be guided by what support you tell us is required. To give some examples of the kinds of support the bursary has provide in the past, we have listed some of the types of support applicants could receive. 

This bursary support can be for completing the online application form or having follow-up conversations with Paul Hamlyn Foundation staff.

  • Admin support
  • BSL interpreter
  • Notetaker
  • Support worker
  • Transcription
  • Translation e.g. from BSL to written English

How to apply for the bursary

The bursary is designed to directly pay the cost of any support you might need to complete an application. You won’t need to pay for the support at any point, and whoever is providing the access support will invoice us directly.

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A young woman is sitting cross-legged on the ground, with five primary school aged children sitting either side of her. They are all smiling and looking at one of the children
Creative Classroom by darts. Photo credit: James Mulkeen 

Have any questions about accessibility? 

As well as providing the bursary, we are keen to make wider changes and improvements to the accessibility of our funding and our work. If you have any questions or feedback for us, please get in touch.