Bloomberg Philanthropies

Charity Number: CUSTOM_208421FC

Annual Expenditure: £3700.0M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3.7 billion globally (2024), over $1 billion in grants in the US (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation-only for most programs)
  • Decision Time: Varies by program
  • Grant Range: £50,000 - £20 million+ (UK grants)
  • Geographic Focus: Global, with significant UK presence (700+ cultural organizations supported worldwide, major UK partnerships)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.bloomberg.org/

General Contact: https://www.bloomberg.org/about/contact/

Submission Portal: https://apply.bloomberg.org/submit (for specific open programs only)

Newsletter Sign-up: Available on website to stay informed of competitions and opportunities

Overview

Bloomberg Philanthropies, founded by Michael Bloomberg, is one of the world's largest philanthropic organizations, having distributed $21.1 billion over its lifetime. The organization invested $3.7 billion globally in 2024 across five key areas: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Led by CEO Patricia E. Harris since its inception, Bloomberg Philanthropies operates in 700 cities across 150 countries. In the UK, the organization has been investing in cultural and civic initiatives for over 25 years, with notable recent commitments including a £20 million donation to the London Museum (the museum's largest private donation) and £1 million founding contribution to the London Community Response Fund. The organization takes a data-driven, partnership-based approach, working primarily with cities, governments, and established institutions to create measurable impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Digital Accelerator Program (UK)

  • Grant Range: Not specified, but includes financial support plus technical assistance
  • Duration: Two-year program
  • Eligibility: UK nonprofit cultural organizations with at least 3 years operating history and FY2023 budget of at least £500,000
  • Application: Open application when program rounds are announced
  • Support Includes: Expert technical assistance from Arts Council England advisors, financial support for digital infrastructure projects, leadership development, and access to network of 350+ organizations
  • Total Programme Investment: $128 million globally supporting nearly 350 arts organizations

Data for Health Global Grants Program

  • Application: Online via Fluxx platform
  • Focus: Improving public health data collection and use in low- and middle-income countries

Youth Climate Action Fund

  • Grant Amount: $50,000 per city hall
  • Participants: Up to 300 city halls globally
  • Application: Through city government partnerships

Public Art Challenge & Asphalt Art Initiative

  • Application: Requires submission by mayor or chief official of a city
  • Focus: Art and design projects in urban spaces

Priority Areas

Arts & Culture

  • Digital infrastructure for cultural organizations
  • Museum development and archaeological preservation
  • Public art and community engagement
  • Broadening access to arts and culture

Environment & Climate

  • Supporting sustainable cities and local climate action
  • Clean energy transitions
  • Emissions reduction programs
  • City-based climate innovation

Public Health

  • Tobacco control (£1.6 billion invested since 2005)
  • Cardiovascular health and obesity prevention
  • Drowning prevention and road safety
  • Vision restoration and access to eyeglasses
  • Overdose epidemic response
  • COVID-19 community response

Education

  • Healthcare-focused high schools and career technical education
  • Support for historically Black medical schools
  • College access for low-income students
  • Public charter schools

Government Innovation

  • City leadership development
  • Data-driven government solutions
  • Municipal innovation programs

What They Don't Fund

  • Bloomberg Philanthropies does not make grants outside their five key focus areas
  • Does not make grants directly to individuals
  • Does not accept unsolicited proposals outside of specific open competitions
  • Does not support organizations without established track records (most programs require 3+ years operating history)
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Governance and Leadership

Michael R. Bloomberg - Founder

Bloomberg established the philanthropy and has committed to giving away the majority of his wealth. He has stated: “If you want to do something for your children and show how much you love them, the single best thing—by far—is to support organizations that will create a better world for them and their children. Long term, they will benefit more from your philanthropy than from your will.”

Patricia E. Harris - Chief Executive Officer

Harris is the only person to have served as CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies. She serves on the boards of both Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg L.P. Previously, she served as First Deputy Mayor of New York City (2006-2013), making her the first woman to serve in this role in the city's history. Under her leadership, Bloomberg Philanthropies works across all five program areas to “ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people.”

Leadership Team:

  • Allison Jaffin - Chief Operating Officer
  • Tarara Deane-Krantz - Chief of Staff
  • Jemma Read - Global Head of Corporate Philanthropy
  • Rachel Nagler - Head of Global Communications
  • Antha N. Williams - Head of Environment Program

Bloomberg stated: "When a crisis recedes from view, it's natural to want to move on. But it's also a mistake — and a surefire way to sleepwalk into the next crisis. There is no better time to take stock — and act — than in the aftermath of a crisis."

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Bloomberg Philanthropies does not have a traditional open application process. The organization works primarily through:

  1. Invitation-Only Partnerships: Most Bloomberg Philanthropies grants are made to existing partners and pre-identified organizations aligned with their strategic priorities.
  1. Specific Competitive Programs: The organization regularly announces open competitions for particular initiatives. These are posted on their website and newsletter.
  1. City-Led Applications: Several programs require applications to be submitted by mayors or city officials rather than by nonprofit organizations directly.
  1. Partner-Managed Programs: Some Bloomberg funding is distributed through partner organizations (e.g., London Community Response Fund was managed through City Bridge Trust and London Funders).

Open Application Programs for UK Organizations:

  • Digital Accelerator Program: When rounds are open, UK arts organizations meeting eligibility criteria can apply directly
  • Check the website regularly and sign up for the newsletter to be notified of new opportunities

Getting on Their Radar

Partnership Development: Bloomberg Philanthropies identified organizations for major grants through:

  • Funder Collaborations: The London Community Response Fund involved Bloomberg joining forces with City Bridge Trust, London Funders, and the Mayor of London. Organizations funded through this collaboration came onto Bloomberg's radar through this partnership.
  • City Government Partnerships: Many Bloomberg programs work through city governments. The organization supported over 50 UK nonprofits through their LCRF partnership, focusing on youth services and COVID-19 response.
  • Arts Sector Networks: Bloomberg has supported 700+ cultural organizations globally. Their UK arts partnerships have included major institutions (Serpentine Galleries, London Museum, Art UK) as well as smaller organizations through the Digital Accelerator Program.
  • Existing Relationships: The £20 million grant to London Museum came after Bloomberg donated 14,000 Roman artefacts discovered during construction of Bloomberg's European headquarters (2012-2014), demonstrating how multi-year relationships can develop.

Sector Leadership and Innovation: Organizations that have received Bloomberg support often demonstrate:

  • Leadership in their sector
  • Data-driven approaches to impact
  • Innovation in addressing social challenges
  • Alignment with Bloomberg's five key focus areas
  • Strong operational capacity and track record

Decision Timeline

Varies significantly by program. Examples:

  • Digital Accelerator Program: Two-year program commitment once selected
  • London Community Response Fund: Rapid deployment during COVID-19, with over 1,100 grants awarded quickly during the pandemic
  • Major Strategic Grants: Developed over multiple years (e.g., London Museum relationship developed from 2012-2014 archaeological discovery to 2025 £20m grant announcement)

Success Rates

Not applicable for invitation-only grants. For competitive programs like the Digital Accelerator, specific success rates are not published.

Reapplication Policy

For open competitive programs, organizations can typically apply in future rounds if unsuccessful. Bloomberg Philanthropies emphasizes ongoing relationships with grantee partners, suggesting that organizations that receive initial funding may be considered for continued support.

Application Success Factors

Strategic Alignment is Critical

Bloomberg Philanthropies operates with clear strategic priorities within each of their five focus areas. Successful organizations demonstrate:

1. Data-Driven Impact: Bloomberg's approach emphasizes measurable outcomes. The organization values partners who can demonstrate impact through data and are committed to evidence-based practice.

2. Scalable Solutions: Bloomberg's philanthropy philosophy centers on supporting “solutions that have been proven to work” and can be spread to benefit large numbers of people. Mike Bloomberg stated: "Making a difference in people's lives—and seeing it with your own eyes—is perhaps the most satisfying thing you'll ever do."

3. City and Government Partnership Potential: A significant portion of Bloomberg's work operates through city governments. Organizations that can work effectively with municipal governments or that address city-level challenges align well with Bloomberg's model.

4. Operational Excellence: With programs requiring minimum budgets (e.g., £500,000 for Digital Accelerator) and operating histories (3+ years), Bloomberg prioritizes established organizations with proven capacity.

5. Digital Infrastructure and Innovation: Particularly in the arts sector, Bloomberg prioritizes organizations ready to invest in digital transformation. The Digital Accelerator Program specifically targets “strategic improvements to technology infrastructure” and “bold projects with potential to benefit the broader cultural sector.”

UK-Specific Success Patterns

Organizations Bloomberg has supported in the UK share characteristics:

Major Cultural Institutions: London Museum, Serpentine Galleries, Art UK demonstrate Bloomberg's commitment to institutions with significant reach and public benefit.

Organizations Serving Underserved Communities: The London Community Response Fund prioritized women-led and BAME-led organizations (80% of funding), youth-serving organizations, and groups addressing emergency needs.

Innovative Community Projects: Create London's online platform for Becontree Estate residents and Studio Voltaire's digital engagement for LGBTQ+ artists show Bloomberg's interest in creative approaches to community engagement.

Organizations in High-Need Areas: Bloomberg's London Community Response grants went to organizations across every London borough, with emphasis on “areas of greatest need.”

The Relationship Development Model

Bloomberg's invitation-only approach means relationship development is crucial:

  • The London Museum grant emerged from a decade-long relationship beginning with the archaeological discovery
  • The London Community Response Fund partnership developed through collaboration with established civic infrastructure (City Bridge Trust, London Funders, Mayor of London)
  • Organizations supported through LCRF included those where “Bloomberg and its employee volunteers have supported” the work, suggesting employee engagement can create pathways

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Monitor Open Programs: While most funding is invitation-only, Bloomberg regularly launches competitions. Sign up for their newsletter and check the website frequently for new opportunities, particularly the Digital Accelerator Program for arts organizations.
  • Focus on the Five: Bloomberg only funds within Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Organizations outside these areas will not receive funding.
  • City Partnership Potential: If your organization works on city-level issues, explore how your local government might partner with Bloomberg programs that could benefit your work.
  • Think Scale and Data: Bloomberg's philosophy emphasizes large-scale impact and measurable outcomes. Organizations that can articulate how their work achieves measurable change for significant numbers of people align with Bloomberg's approach.
  • Funder Collaborations: Bloomberg often co-funds initiatives with other major funders. Being part of collaborative funding initiatives may create pathways to Bloomberg's attention.
  • Employee Engagement: Bloomberg employees volunteer with supported organizations. If Bloomberg has a presence in your city, employee volunteer programs may create relationship opportunities.
  • Digital Infrastructure Investment: For UK arts organizations with budgets over £500,000, the Digital Accelerator Program represents the most accessible Bloomberg funding pathway, offering both financial support and valuable technical assistance.
  • Patience with Major Grants: Bloomberg's largest UK grants (£20 million to London Museum) developed over many years. Relationship building with this funder is a long-term endeavor.

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References