Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, UK Branch

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation UK Branch, established in 1956 from the bequest of Armenian oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian, is a London-based arm of the Lisbon-headquartered international foundation dedicated to advancing long-term well-being for vulnerable populations through equity and sustainability. Operating across arts, culture, climate and oceans, education, and social welfare, it champions cross-disciplinary, transnational partnerships that foster innovative solutions, reflective practice, and lasting systemic change. Its distinctive approach emphasizes convening leaders, seeding movements, and empowering communities via evidence-based interventions like the Campaign to End Loneliness, Arts & Homelessness International, and Marine CoLABoration.

It prioritizes initiatives tackling loneliness and complex needs, participatory performing arts, later-life transitions, citizen-led climate engagement, marine protection, and cultural/civic empowerment for underserved groups. Funding supports collaborative projects, policy influence, capacity building, and prizes that drive inclusive practice and legacy, such as citizen jurors and large-scale ocean advocacy coalitions.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities (and equivalents in Republic of Ireland) based or operating in the UK/Ireland, typically medium-to-large organizations with incomes over £250,000 and proven capacity for strategic work; grassroots groups may join partnerships. It does not accept unsolicited applications—initial email enquiries are considered only for strong alignments, with full proposals invited via proactive co-design. Grants range £10,000–£600,000 (mostly £25,000–£250,000 over 1–3 years), awarded adhoc through programmes, open calls, or prizes (e.g., Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity deadline 31 January 2025). Exclusions include capital projects, emergency relief, and standard unrestricted funding. Standout traits: international perspective, policy-shaping legacy, and focus on piloting novel, high-impact collaborations for enduring social/environmental transformation.