Allen Lane Foundation

The foundation focuses on seven beneficiary groups: asylum seekers and refugees, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, offenders and ex-offenders, isolated older people, people with mental health problems, survivors of violence or abuse, and vulnerable young people. It funds projects that address root causes of marginalisation, discrimination, isolation and stigma, favouring pioneering, imaginative interventions. Work supported includes direct, people-centred initiatives that foster integration, equity and systemic impact. The foundation operates across the United Kingdom, with a particular emphasis on small, grassroots organisations working with these groups. It supports both new and ongoing projects, and can cover core or unrestricted costs.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community interest companies and constituted community groups. The foundation prioritises small, grassroots organisations that are often overlooked by other funders. It supports work across the UK, but does not fund London-based initiatives. Beneficiary groups are those listed above, with a focus on people facing marginalisation, discrimination, isolation or stigma. The foundation welcomes unsolicited applications from organisations that align with its mission and priority groups.

The foundation does not fund statutory bodies, schools, NHS organisations, London-based initiatives, capital projects, or vehicles. It also does not support retrospective funding or initiatives that fall outside its seven priority beneficiary groups.

The foundation provides grants for both new and ongoing projects, as well as core or unrestricted costs. It favours catalytic, pioneering work that addresses root causes, and is open to unsolicited applications. Grants are made to small, grassroots organisations across the UK, with a focus on those tackling marginalisation, discrimination, isolation and stigma. The foundation's approach is hands-on and transparent, and it does not set fixed grant amounts, instead considering each application on its merits.