Persula Foundation

Charity Number: 1194819

Annual Expenditure: £1.0M

Geographic Focus: Throughout England And Wales

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Quick Stats

Annual Giving: £1,000,000+ (in excess of £1m annually)
Success Rate: Not publicly available
Decision Time: Not specified (rolling programme)
Grant Range: Not specified
Geographic Focus: England and Wales

Contact Details

Address: Gallery Court, Hankey Place, London, SE1 4BB

Alternative Address: 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BE

Phone: 020 7551 5343 / 0161 474 6811

Email: info@persula.org

Contact Person: Teresa Chapman, Secretary

Charity Number: 1194819

Overview

The Persula Foundation was established in 1994 as an independent grant-giving foundation by Julian Richer, founder of Richer Sounds. The foundation was formally registered as a charity with the Charity Commission in 2021 (Charity Number 1194819). The foundation's aim is to support charities and to research and develop original charitable projects. With annual grant distribution in excess of £1 million, the foundation focuses on supporting original projects in areas of the community with the most need. The foundation operates throughout England and Wales, making grants to both individuals and charitable organisations, with a strong emphasis on innovation and addressing unmet needs in the charitable sector.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a continuous rolling programme, meaning applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year rather than during fixed funding rounds.

Priority Areas

The foundation's current funding priorities include:

Disability: Projects supporting disabled individuals and addressing disability-related issues
Homelessness: Initiatives working with homeless individuals and addressing housing insecurity
Human Rights: Projects advancing human rights and creating a fairer society
Animal Welfare: Organisations working to improve animal welfare
The Elderly: Support for older people
Medical and Mental Health: Health-related projects and mental health support
Migrants/Refugees: Assistance for migrants and refugees
Prisoner Support: Rehabilitation and support for prisoners and ex-offenders
Women's Support and Domestic Abuse: Projects supporting women and addressing domestic violence
Fair Society/Citizenship: Initiatives promoting fairness and civic engagement
Children: Projects benefiting children
Environment: Environmental projects

The foundation particularly seeks to support original projects in areas of the community with the most need. Past funded topics have included research on drones, prison reform, LGBT rights, and humane slaughter.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. Applicants should contact the foundation directly to confirm eligibility.

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Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel

Julian Richer LVO (Chair) - Appointed 2021

Julian Richer (born 1959) is an English retail entrepreneur, philanthropist and author, best known as the founder of Richer Sounds, the UK's largest hi-fi retailer. He opened his first shop aged 19 in 1978. Julian has funded and founded several non-profit organisations including Acts 435, ASB Help, TaxWatch, the Good Business Charter and Zero Hours Justice. In 2019, he transitioned Richer Sounds to become employee-owned, passing on 60% of shares into an employee ownership trust for all employees.

David Barrie Robinson (Trustee) - Appointed 2021

David is Chairman of specialist retailer Richer Sounds and Managing Director of JR Properties, a private property investment company in both commercial and residential markets. He is a Trustee of United Learning, the largest multi-academy trust in the UK with over 60 schools. In 2013, he joined the Board of Great Places Housing Group, one of the largest social housing associations, and in 2018 became Chair of Cube Homes, Great Places' commercial home building subsidiary.

Other Trustees (all appointed 2021):

George Knowles
Jonathan Levy
Rosemary Louise Richer

No trustees receive remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. There are no fixed deadlines.

To apply or seek more information, contact:

Teresa Chapman, Secretary

The Persula Foundation

Gallery Court, Hankey Place

London, SE1 4BB

Email: info@persula.org

Telephone: 020 7551 5343

The foundation does not appear to have a public-facing website with online application forms. Applicants must contact the foundation directly for application procedures and requirements.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. Given the rolling programme nature, decisions may be made on an ongoing basis. Contact the foundation directly for expected timeframes.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Contact the foundation directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values

Originality: The foundation explicitly seeks to support “original projects” and to “research and develop original charitable projects”
Addressing Greatest Need: The foundation tries to “support original projects in areas of the community with most need”
Innovation: Past funding has included forward-thinking topics such as drone research, prison reform, and LGBT rights

Strategic Focus

Given Julian Richer's background as an ethical entrepreneur known for employee-focused business practices and social responsibility, applicants may benefit from:

Demonstrating innovative approaches to social problems
Showing alignment with values of fairness and social justice
Presenting projects that address underserved communities
Emphasizing original thinking and new solutions to established problems

Geographic Considerations

The foundation operates throughout England and Wales, so projects must be based in or primarily benefit these areas.

Who Can Apply

Charitable organisations
Individuals (for specific charitable purposes)
Other charities or voluntary bodies

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Emphasis on Originality: The foundation explicitly prioritizes “original projects” - ensure your application demonstrates innovation and fresh approaches rather than replicating existing work
Target Greatest Need: Focus your application on demonstrating how your project addresses areas of community need that are underserved or overlooked
Flexible Timing: With a rolling programme, you can apply at any time - don't wait for specific deadlines
Direct Contact Required: There is no online application portal; establish direct communication with Teresa Chapman to understand current priorities and application requirements
Broad Priority Areas: With 13+ priority areas listed, the foundation has wide interests - ensure you clearly articulate which area(s) your project addresses
Founder's Values: Understanding Julian Richer's reputation as an ethical entrepreneur focused on fairness and social justice may help frame your application appropriately
No Public Guidelines: Limited public information means early contact with the foundation is essential to understand current requirements and preferences