An economic inequality grantmaking foundation has announced a simplified application process for charities and a shift to giving unrestricted funding by default.
Friends Provident Foundation said its funding will be unrestricted by default unless there’s a clear reason to introduce specific boundaries.
There may still be some “light-touch restrictions” on spending where necessary, the foundation stated, since it funds charities and other organisations that may have a remit broader than the foundation’s focus on the economy.
But it aims to keep these as flexible as possible to ensure that its grant holders have the freedom to use the funds where they are most needed.
The foundation’s spending on charitable activities was £2.3m in the year to September 2023, according to its most recently filed accounts
Simplified application process
The foundation has run a two-stage application process since its formation in 2004 but is changing this approach after finding that only 8% of applicants last year progressed to the second stage.
So, it is now replacing the written form it asked applicants to complete for the first stage with a less formal “say hello” function on its website, which allows applicants to introduce themselves briefly, in writing, through a video message or with a voice note.
If the foundation thinks that the applicant is a potential fit, it will then invite them to a conversation in which it will work with the charity to co-create an application, written up by a member from the foundation.
The foundation hopes that this approach will make the process easier for applicants and also give them the chance to provide clearer feedback at an earlier stage.
Building stronger partnerships
Friends Provident Foundation said it is changing its approach to lessen the resources charities need to invest into applying for funding.
The foundation spoke with Civic Power Fund, which shared its grantmaking approach, to help reshape its own approach.
Abigail Gibson, head of funding strategy at Friends Provident Foundation, said: “To be honest, this level of change all at once feels a bit like jumping into the deep end, and I am sure we’ll make mistakes along the way.
“But I also believe these changes are important as we work to become a grantmaker that’s more trusting and trusted, flexible and supportive.
“The ultimate goal is to build stronger partnerships with those we fund, grounded in trust and collaboration.”
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