Paul Hamlyn Foundation was established by Paul Hamlyn in 1987. Upon his death in 2001, he left most of his estate to the Foundation, creating one of the largest grant-making foundations in the UK.

Its mission is to help people overcome disadvantage and lack of opportunity, so that they can realise their potential and enjoy fulfilling and creative lives. It has a particular interest in supporting young people and a strong belief in the importance of the arts.

It launched its current UK strategy in June 2015. It is built around six strategic priorities, where it wants to see change over the coming years:

-Support imaginative people to nurture exciting ideas
-Widen access and participation in the arts 
-Improve people’s education and learning through the arts
-Show that the arts make a difference to people’s lives
-Support the development and growth of organisations investing in young people and positive change
-Improve support for young people who migrate, and strengthen integration so that communities can live well together