Grant Giving Bodies in an increasingly devolved policy landscape

Insight Paper

Partners

Paul Hamlyn Foundation,

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch)

Author

Trevor MacFarlane

Description

This insight paper captures perspectives on devolution and local decision-making from senior representatives of major UK grant-giving bodies investing in the creative, cultural and heritage ecosystem. Drawing on a high-level roundtable co-convened with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch), it examines how funders are responding to shifting governance structures, rising demand and widening regional disparities. The paper highlights concerns about becoming “funders of last resort,” explores opportunities for collaboration with local and combined authorities, and identifies ways philanthropic investment can complement rather than replace public funding. It concludes by outlining policy implications for how grant-giving bodies want to operate effectively within a devolved and increasingly place-based funding landscape.

Published as part of The Future of Cultural Devolution in the UK.

August 2024