Criteria

  • The aim of the Foundation is to support those with limited resources who would not otherwise be able to access professional help at the level which the Foundation seeks to offer. (See Areas of Support)  

  • The applicant and/or their business should be based in the United Kingdom  

  • The Foundation aims to support applicants with a specific problem or specific set of circumstances which must be described in the online application

  • Litigation work (taking a dispute to court or formally representing you in relation to a dispute) is generally not covered although in specific circumstances individual professionals may be able to offer support  

  • Advisers are offering pro bono (free) advice, not representation, to help the applicant navigate a particular commercial/professional or contractual situation. Any further work is to be agreed.

Our Process

  • Applicants must apply for support via the application form on this website.

  • The application will be assessed subject to the criteria.

  • The Foundation aims to conduct its initial review and provide confirmation to the applicant within 5 business days.

  • If successful, the applicant's contact details and specifics of their application will be passed to an appropriate adviser who will make contact with the applicant direct.  All matters will be handled between the adviser and the applicant from this point on.  If the applicant and the adviser decide to proceed, they will agree the specific parameters of the assistance. If required, a formal engagement letter will be drawn up by the adviser, specifying their terms and conditions.

Apply for support
Apply for support
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Currently we are working in the following sectors: art, design, fashion, beauty.  

    We support emerging creative talent, small creative businesses and freelancers, and established creative professionals. 

  • This is not mentoring, coaching, strategy guidance, or business development.  See our Areas of Support section for more infomation.

  • The applicant and/or their business should be based in the United Kingdom. 

  • The pro bono support will be for a limited period. Without charge, the Foundation will connect applicants with professionals and expert advisers best suited to their needs who will provide their time and expertise for free, but this may be for one conversation, or for a limited time period which is to be agreed between the adviser and the applicant.

  • The Foundation will respond as soon as possible to confirm whether or not the application has met the criteria and if the Foundation can connect the applicant with an adviser who can assist with their particular issue. The Foundation aims to conduct its initial review and provide confirmation to the applicant within 5 business days. We cannot guarantee the timescale in which the adviser connects with the applicant as this is subject to their schedule.  

  • Support can be a single session or can extend to a short-term advisory arrangement. The terms and duration of support are to be agreed between the applicant and the adviser they are matched with.  

  • The Foundation will match each successful applicant with an adviser from the relevant sector, based on need and availability.

  • Litigation work (taking a dispute to court or formally representing you in relation to a dispute) is generally not covered although in specific circumstances individual professional advisers may be able to offer support.

  • Please see our Privacy Notice (link)

  • Applicants must apply with one specific issue or challenge they are facing which will be assessed on an individual basis. They can apply more than once if they face additional issues and are not in a position to cover the costs of professional or expert support.

  • The Foundation is a company limited by guarantee. Company number 17110851

  • The Foundation is funded by the generosity of our partners and supporters.

  • Please contact us with any issues you wish to raise:

    office@hughdevlinfoundation.org 

    Any complaints or issues resulting from advice received have to be resolved with the adviser, not the Foundation.  

  • Please see our Privacy Notice and Website Terms of Use  (links)