How we work

We support work in England, Wales and/or Scotland. We look for organisations with a keen understanding of context and 'place' and we look at data on multiple deprivation. We recognise the wide disparities and inequalities across the UK, from isolated, rural communities, to urban poverty in some of our wealthiest cities.

Investing in partners

We seek out people, charities and social enterprises who are ambitious, with inspiring leadership and sound judgement. They bring ideas, passion, a track record or lived experience, strong networks and systems thinking.

There are typically around 15 partners in our portfolio at any one time and more information on who and what we support is available on our Partners page and on 360 Giving.

Equity and experience

We look for commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as authentic connections and credible approaches to involving children, young people and families in creating the changes that will affect their lives. We value the leadership and involvement of care experienced people in influencing the care 'system', where there is a fresh focus on improving policy and practice.

We are a pro-active funder, with no open grant making application process. We mostly make larger grants over multiple years, to a small number of organisations. With this in mind, we prefer to find partners through active research, networking and collaboration. But any organisation can get in touch if they are confident that they reflect our priorities and approach.

We are interested in supporting work at different stages, in different ways – at the beginning of an innovation journey; though building evidence, sustaining, adapting and scaling; and through collaboration and influence. Find more information in Our Grants

How we reach decisions

We open up conversations with leaders of potential partner organisations and if appropriate, an initial short concept note is developed. Our Trustees consider them (at one of their 3 meetings a year) and may invite a full proposal at a later meeting. Whilst this process is not quick, timescales are clear, and feedback is offered. We believe that this proactive approach, dialogue with potential partners, and two stage decision making, is more efficient and effective for everyone.

What we don't support

We prefer to talk about who and what we do support, but these are general exclusions:

• Organisations who are not registered for a 'charitable purpose'
• Individuals, scholarships or bursaries
• Work that is outside England, Scotland or Wales
• Major capital appeals
• The promotion of religion*

* (this does not exclude faith-based organisations, provided they can demonstrate that they welcome people from all faiths or none)

We have been working with others on a Common Outcomes Approach which describes change for children under the headings: SAFE, HEALTHY, HAPPY, LEARNING and ENGAGED. This is reflected in our Impact Reports, and you can find more information about our learning on the Impact and Insights page.

The KPMG Foundation brings assets beyond grants. In addition to financial support we aim, wherever we can to CATALYSE new ideas and organisations, AMPLIFY the achievements and results of our partners, and CONNECT people and organisations for greater impact.

We are a trusted partner with a strong reputation for collaboration, committed and ambitious for all children and young people, whatever their background and circumstances.

We complement the social mobility aims of KPMG by tackling some of the tougher issues, using the assets of the firm to add value and achieve more sustainable outcomes through convening, influence and leadership. We keep our aspirations and expectations high, prepared to invest in new ideas with potential, along with helping develop clear outcomes and success measures. We understand that deeper interventions and relationships take time, and that core funding can be the most valuable support we can offer.