Partner handbook

What is our partner handbook?

This handbook is for current partners, organisations we are developing proposals with and anyone interested in how we work. It lays out our processes, principles and ambitions as a funder and demonstrates our commitment to being more transparent and equitable.

We are always learning and trying to do better. We will update our partner handbook as our insights develop and our processes evolve.

This handbook is set out in two main sections. The first is on process, in which we lay out the current processes including average time-frames and decision-making structures. In the second section we lay out the ambitions for our approach, in line with our organisational values and principles.

In each section, we reference some key insights from our recent Partners research, carried out in 2024, along with our ambitions for where we can improve. We know that we don’t always get it right, but we are listening and working hard to be as fair and straightforward as possible.

Throughout this guidance we will refer to partnership lead to mean the main point of contact in taking forward a proposal with us. This is typically one or more of our Portfolio Managers, but can also be a Policy & Influencing Manager, Head of Programme or other role.

If you are an organisation developing a partnership or project with us, do contact your partnership lead with any questions. This handbook is not designed to replace regular communication or the relationship building that we value so highly.