About
The Allen Lane Foundation is a grant-making trust established in 1966 by Sir Allen Lane, who founded the publishing company Penguin Books. The Foundation awards funding for charitable purposes across the UK, focusing on specific groups that experience marginalisation and/or discrimination. It currently makes grants through seven funding programmes targeting asylum seekers and refugees, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, offenders and ex-offenders, older people, people affected by violence or abuse, people with mental health issues, and young people. The Foundation aims to make a lasting difference to people's lives, reduce isolation, stigma and discrimination, and encourage marginalised groups to share in the life of the whole community.
Funding Opportunities
Young People's Programme
The Allen Lane Foundation's Young People's Programme supports children and young people aged 12-21 who are vulnerable, socially excluded or marginalised. The programme focuses on those who are persistently absent from school, leaving school with no qualifications, and children and young people in or leaving care. The Foundation aims to support work to help young people who are experiencing or may have already suffered significant issues within their lives and who may 'fall through the cracks' without targeted support. The programme prioritises those aged 12-21 whose experiences can be hidden or less well known, and whose voices are often erased or ignored. Eligible projects may include pro-active youth clubs, activities for disaffected young people, or employment opportunities or experience which help young people to find structure. The Foundation also supports organisations that focus on: young people within the criminal justice system or those at risk of offending; looked after children or care leavers; those with significant mental health concerns or complex needs; young people who have been traumatised by challenging family backgrounds, neglect, violence or abuse; those that have fallen through the gaps in care and/or education; those already affected by, or vulnerable to, exploitation; or whose experiences could seriously impact their transition into adulthood. The Foundation considers both core or project funding of organisations whose work aligns with the aim of the programme. They do not aim to fund general youth provision or work that takes place in schools. Past grants have included funding for a crisis drop-in for young people who have been sexually abused, mental health workers running young people's groups, employability skills workshops for young female care leavers, and drama and arts projects for young people with a history of offending.
People with Mental Health Problems Programme
The Allen Lane Foundation has a long history of supporting work aimed at improving mental health. In recent years, the Foundation has funded between 15 and 27 grants per annum, to a total value of around £110,000 per year. The Foundation aims to fund work benefitting people affected by moderate/severe mental health conditions – lessening their isolation and feelings of stigma, improving wellbeing and promoting recovery, and enabling people to feel included in their local communities. The focus is on funding mental health charities rather than organisations with a broader focus or general wellness projects. The Foundation supports organisations that provide services and activities for people with moderate/severe mental health conditions, as well as groups working with people affected by specific issues such as bipolar disorder, depression, self-harm, or eating disorders. They are particularly keen to support user-led groups. Recent grants have supported befriending and mentoring projects, peer support and self-help groups, therapeutic arts activities, gardening and horticulture projects, and the provision of advice, information and advocacy.
People affected by Violence or Abuse Programme
The Allen Lane Foundation funds work aiming to support people who are, or have in the past been, affected by violence or abuse. The Foundation supports a range of projects and activities including education and prevention of abuse, provision of practical alternatives to violence and conflict resolution, and support for victims of abuse (both men and women). This includes therapeutic and emotional support, practical help including advice and support services, recovery programmes, support groups and drop-ins. Grants are made to projects supporting people affected by rape and sexual abuse, domestic abuse, stalking, trafficking, prostitution and modern slavery, honour-based abuse, female genital mutilation, and forced marriage. The Foundation also funds work with perpetrators aiming to lessen isolation and prevent the risk of further abuse. In recent years, the Foundation has funded an average of 15 grants in this programme each year, to a total value of around £90,000-£100,000 per annum. Note that the Foundation does not fund the direct costs of one-to-one counselling.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees Programme - Women Only
The Allen Lane Foundation funds work with refugees, asylum seekers and refused asylum seekers, including those held in detention. The programme has recently updated its criteria and now only considers applications that are of benefit to women. The Foundation is interested in funding work that promotes the inclusion of female asylum seekers and refugees, and helps with their integration and settling into life in the UK. They fund organisations that work with female asylum seekers and refugees regardless of where they originate from, but do not fund refugee community organisations that work with single nationalities. The focus is on women who are seeking asylum in the UK, and female refugees who have been through the asylum system; rather than people who arrive in the UK through community sponsorship or via resettlement schemes. The Foundation aims to assist with the provision of relevant advice, information or advocacy; with social or therapeutic activities aimed at lessening isolation; and work to help change public attitudes or policy in relation to immigration issues. They also fund practical and emotional support, English classes, destitution support, hosting/accommodation projects, and drop-in costs. In recent years the Foundation has funded an average of 24 grants to a total average value of £133,000 each year.
At a Glance
- Total Funding Opportunities
- 4
- Active Now
- 4
- Source Domain
- allenlane.org.uk
Catalog Data
This funder profile was automatically extracted from grant listings. Information may be incomplete.
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