Graff Foundation
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £202,000 (2023)
- Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
- Decision Time: Not applicable (trustee-discretion only)
- Grant Range: Variable (12 grants made in 2023)
- Geographic Focus: England and Wales
Contact Details
Address: Graff Diamonds Ltd, 28-29 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4JA
Phone: 020 7584 8571
Email: Not available
Website: Not available
Overview
The Graff Foundation was registered with the UK Charity Commission on 15 July 1992 (Charity No. 1012859) for general charitable purposes. The Foundation is funded principally by donations from companies in the Graff Group, the luxury diamond jeweler founded by Laurence Graff OBE. The Foundation operates as a grant-making trust where trustees review charitable organizations annually and exercise their absolute discretion in deciding which institutions should receive funding. In 2023, the Foundation made twelve grants totaling £202,000 (compared to eleven grants totaling £1,035,000 in 2022). The Foundation holds approximately £2.2 million in cash reserves and has a close relationship with the FACET Foundation, which focuses on supporting communities in sub-Saharan Africa. The Foundation gained international recognition in April 2020 when it pledged $1 million to the WHO's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The Graff Foundation does not operate formal grant programs. Instead, trustees review various charitable organizations annually and decide which should receive funding at their absolute discretion.
Grant Activity:
- 2023: 12 grants totaling £202,000
- 2022: 11 grants totaling £1,035,000
Grant amounts vary significantly year-to-year based on trustee decisions and available funds.
Priority Areas
Organizations funded include:
- The FACET Foundation (related charity focused on education, health and wellbeing in Southern Africa)
- Museums
- Community charities
The Foundation's objectives are deliberately broad: “to apply the income and such parts of the capital towards such charitable purposes and to make grants to such charitable institutions at such times and in such manner as the trustees in their absolute discretion think fit.”
What They Don't Fund
Not specified, though as a discretionary trust, trustees select organizations proactively rather than responding to public applications.
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Governance and Leadership
The Foundation has a close relationship with Graff Diamonds Limited, which provides funding to the charity. Key individuals associated with the Foundation include:
- François Graff: Trustee of the Graff Foundation and director of Graff Diamonds Limited. In April 2020, he stated regarding the WHO donation: “The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund is a vital tool in the global response to the virus.”
- Laurence Graff OBE: Founder of Graff Diamonds, who established the FACET Foundation in 2008. He is the ultimate controlling shareholder of Graff Diamonds Limited. Graff has stated that “Giving back is something I feel is the duty of every entrepreneur” and emphasizes improving children's lives through education.
The Foundation's financial statements are audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, with accounts approved by trustees annually (most recently on 29 August 2024 for the year ended 31 December 2023).
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
The Graff Foundation does not have a public application process. The Foundation operates on a trustee-discretion model where trustees proactively review charitable organizations and select recipients annually. There is no website, email address for inquiries, or published application guidelines.
The Foundation's strategy is explicitly stated as: “for the trustees to review various charitable organisations and decide which organisations should receive funding on an annual basis.”
Unsolicited applications are not accepted through any formal process.
Application Success Factors
As the Foundation does not accept public applications, success factors relate to being identified and selected by the trustees rather than application quality. Based on available information:
Connection to Graff Group Interests: Organizations aligned with the Graff family's known philanthropic interests—particularly those supporting education, health, cultural institutions (museums), and community development—appear to be favored.
Relationship with FACET Foundation: The FACET Foundation (also funded by Laurence Graff) receives grants from the Graff Foundation, suggesting organizations working in Southern Africa on education, health, and community wellbeing may align with trustee priorities.
Geographic Focus: While the Foundation operates throughout England and Wales, it has demonstrated willingness to support international causes (such as the $1 million WHO donation in 2020).
Cultural and Community Impact: Museums and community charities have been specifically mentioned as grant recipients, suggesting trustees value organizations preserving culture and supporting local communities.
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- No public application process exists – this Foundation cannot be approached through traditional grant application methods
- Trustee discretion is absolute – funding decisions are made annually by trustees reviewing organizations they identify
- Connection to Graff Group is advantageous – the Foundation is funded by Graff Diamonds and shares trustees/leadership with related entities
- Grant amounts vary significantly – annual giving dropped from £1,035,000 (2022) to £202,000 (2023), showing considerable year-to-year variation
- Museums, community charities, and FACET Foundation have been identified as recent recipients
- International humanitarian causes may be considered, as demonstrated by the $1 million WHO COVID-19 donation in 2020
- Alternative approach: Organizations interested in Graff family philanthropy might consider approaching the FACET Foundation instead, which has a more visible presence and focuses on Southern African communities where Graff sources diamonds
Similar Funders
These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:
- The Behrens Foundation
- The Patrick Rowland Foundation
- THE AZOUZ FOUNDATION
- The Freddie Green and Family Charitable Foundation
- THE LILI TAPPER CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
- The Aurelia Foundation
- THE WANDS CHARITABLE TRUST
- The Graham Kirkham Foundation
- THE KENNETH & SUSAN GREEN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
- The Lockwood Charitable Foundation
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References
- UK Charity Commission Register, GRAFF FOUNDATION Charity No. 1012859
https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1012859&subid=0
- UK Charity Commission, “What, who, how, where” page for GRAFF FOUNDATION
- "Graff Foundation's $1 million donation to COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund," Funds for NGOs, April 2020
- “Hope, Love, Light,” Graff Diamonds News
https://www.graff.com/us-en/house/news/hope-love-light.html
- "Graff Foundation Pledges $1 Million to WHO's COVID-19 Response Fund," WWD, April 2020
- “The FACET Foundation established by Graff”
- “The FACET Foundation | Learn About Our Mission | Graff”
https://www.graff.com/us-en/house/the-facet-foundation.html
- "Diamonds billionaire Graff opens Leadership Centre in Lesotho 'to give something back'," Philanthropy Impact
- “A Conversation with Laurence Graff OBE, Founder of Graff Diamonds,” Thought Economics
https://thoughteconomics.com/a-conversation-with-laurence-graff-obe-founder-of-graff-diamonds/
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Graff Foundation fund?
Grant Programs The Graff Foundation does not operate formal grant programs. Instead, trustees review various charitable organizations annually and decide which should receive funding at their absolute discretion.
How much funding does Graff Foundation provide?
Graff Foundation provides grants ranging from Variable (12 grants made in 2023), with total annual giving of approximately £202,000 (2023).
How do I contact Graff Foundation?
Address: Graff Diamonds Ltd, 28-29 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4JA Phone: 020 7584 8571 Email: Not available Website: Not available
Is Graff Foundation a registered charity?
Yes, Graff Foundation is a registered charity with the Charity Commission (charity number 1012859). They primarily serve organisations in Throughout England And Wales.
How do I apply to Graff Foundation?
How to Apply The Graff Foundation does not have a public application process. The Foundation operates on a trustee-discretion model where trustees proactively review charitable organizations and select recipients annually. There is no website, email address for inquiries, or published application guidelines.
Where is Graff Foundation based?
Graff Foundation is based in London W1S 4JA. They fund organisations in Throughout England And Wales.