Cinven Foundation
Could Cinven Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £25,000 – £150,000
- Applications
- By invitation only
- Decisions
- As needed
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
Check fit free · no card
cinven.comAbout Cinven Foundation
The Cinven Foundation is the UK charitable arm of Cinven, a leading European private equity firm, established to drive positive social change. Guided by values of responsible partnership, inclusion, and measurable impact, the Foundation favours long-term partnerships and institutional capacity-building over one-off grants. It serves as the firm's corporate philanthropy vehicle, distinct from investment activities, and operates by invitation only. The Foundation advances education programmes, promotes social inclusion, supports environmental initiatives, and improves health outcomes through strategic grants to aligned institutions.
What Cinven Foundation funds
The Foundation funds education and social inclusion for disadvantaged youth and those at risk of exclusion; environmental causes including sustainability and climate action; and health advancements addressing inequalities. Beneficiaries include communities facing environmental challenges, with support for scholarships, outreach, and diversity initiatives. The focus is on strategic collaborations rather than one-off projects, with an emphasis on systemic change, particularly in diversity within investment and finance sectors across socioeconomic, ethnic, gender, and LGBT+ lines.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities with a UK base, typically medium-to-large organisations demonstrating robust governance and impact. There are no strict income thresholds, though preference leans toward established entities. The Foundation funds a limited number of organisations annually and also offers global matched giving for staff charitable efforts.
How they like to fund
The Foundation works by invitation only, with no open application process. It favours long-term partnerships and institutional capacity-building, offering multi-year commitments when appropriate. Grants are awarded on a case-by-case basis by trustees.
How much does Cinven Foundation give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Cinven Foundation
Cinven Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.
- A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
- If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
- Decisions are typically as needed.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Cinven Foundation.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
See if Cinven Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Cinven Foundation provide?
Cinven Foundation typically provides grants of £25,000 - £150,000.
Where does Cinven Foundation fund charities?
Cinven Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Cinven Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Cinven Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Cinven Foundation?
Cinven Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
Browse related grants
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Could Cinven Foundation be a fit?
Check free — then find open funders like them.