Philanthropy is the common thread that links our past, present and future.  Like our historical benefactors, we believe in creating positive change so that everyone has the chance to lead a fulfilling life.

Today, we coordinate our Philanthropy Framework, collaborating with the Charities of which we are trustee, to help people facing disadvantage to reach their potential.

Approximately £10 million is distributed each year across our grantmaking programmes to charitable causes - focused on relieving disadvantage in London, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and the Northeast of England. We expect to support 180 individual charities annually to improve people's lives, strengthen organisations and contribute to societal change. Over the past five years we have awarded £49.7 million to over 400 organisations across our people-focused programmes and priority funding areas. 

We have four grantmaking programmes Young People & Education, Older People & Housing and Church & Communities and recently launched Heritage & Arts. We work with leading evaluation & research/learning partners to inform our Insights & Learnings and future funding priorities. 

We also provide high quality accommodation to over 200 residents in six almshouses, work closely with our Associated schools & Colleges which educate c.18,000 pupils, appoint 88 charity trustees and school governors, and support churches in eight Church of England benefices, to which we are patrons.