The Paul Hamlyn Foundation has pledged to reduce the burden of its grant application processes after new research found applicants want a more streamlined experience and better feedback when unsuccessful.

The findings, published in the foundation's latest Grantee and Applicant Perception Report, are based on feedback from more than 700 organisations and individuals and show improvements in several areas of its grant-making, while highlighting opportunities to make its funding processes more accessible.

Feedback from unsuccessful applicants pointed to continuing frustrations with the application process.

Nearly one in five applicants said they did not receive a reason why their application had been rejected, while 45% requested feedback but did not receive any. Applicants who did receive feedback reported that it helped strengthen future funding applications.

The report also found applicants wanted greater access to foundation staff during the application process and clearer guidance on whether their organisation was a suitable fit before investing significant time in applying.

Some respondents said they felt pressure to adapt their organisation or projects to better align with the foundation's priorities.

However, the rreport found that grantees continue to rate the foundation highly overall, with reporting requirements seen as straightforward, relevant and adaptable.

The median amount of time organisations spend meeting the foundation's requirements over the lifetime of a grant has fallen to 38 hours, almost 20 hours less than in 2017.

Respondents also welcomed the foundation's increased use of flexible funding. In 2025, 38% of grants were both unrestricted and awarded over multiple years, compared with 19% in 2022.

The foundation also received stronger scores for its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and anti-racist practice than in previous surveys.

Paul Hamlyn Foundation responded by saying it would continue to simplify its application processes, improve communication with applicants and explore ways of helping organisations assess their eligibility earlier, reducing unnecessary work for charities that are unlikely to receive funding.

The foundation also said it would continue to strengthen its approach to equitable grant-making while building on recent improvements to reporting requirements and funding flexibility.

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