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Nurturing ideas and people

We want to support imaginative people to nurture exciting ideas

Social change often comes about because of the application of good ideas by passionate people. Our founder was an innovator: in his business life and philanthropy, he backed people with good ideas. We want to do this, too.

Arts access and participation

We want to widen access and deepen participation in the arts

We believe in the power of the arts as a force for change, and one that enriches people’s lives and communities. We want to ensure that a wider and more diverse group of people have access to quality artistic practice, both as audiences and participants.

Education & learning through the arts

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

The arts play an important role in enriching young people’s learning and educational experiences. Exposure to the arts can unlock potential in young people, helping them to develop skills in communication, collaboration, creativity and problem solving. In addition to the enjoyment and enrichment the arts bring, arts education can increase young people’s engagement in school and learning, and support key educational outcomes. For many young people, particularly those experiencing the most disadvantage, the only opportunity to gain access to arts education is at school.

Investing in young people

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

Much of our grant-making aims to benefit young people, but it is the groups and organisations who work directly with them who often make the most difference, especially for young people who face complex transitions to adulthood. We want to support organisations at different stages of development to improve, consolidate and spread practices that empower young people to shape their lives and lead change.

Migration and integration

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

Migration is a global phenomenon, generating opportunities for social, economic and cultural enrichment. It also creates challenges for those who have moved or been displaced, and those experiencing changes in their communities. We have long experience of grant-making, research and collaborations around migration, mainly focused on helping young people for whom migration has brought vulnerability and hardship.

Playing our part

We want to play our role in pioneering philanthropy, both as an independent grant-maker and as a partner to others seeking to achieve social justice.

With over 10,000 charitable trusts and foundations in the UK distributing almost £3bn of grants, there is a duty for us all to ensure that we target our resources in the most effective way. Unlike statutory funders, foundations can take risks, offer support over longer periods and back causes that feel risky to others. With this freedom comes a responsibility to ensure we are working together to create the best possible environment for the organisations and individuals we want to support.

Information for grantees

We want our grants to reflect strong relationships with grantees as we work together to learn from the activity we support. Here is some information and resources to help get the most from your PHF grant.

Find out more

Other work

Alongside our strategic priorities we continue to pursue a number of important additional activities, including programmes launched under our former strategic framework. All remain key to our portfolio of work.