Largest single trust transfer in UK Community Foundations history

Charities and community groups in Merseyside will receive over £800,000 a year in funding, following the transfer of circa £25 million in assets from the Pilkington Charities Fund to the Community Foundation for Merseyside. 

The donation is the largest single trust transfer donation in UK Community Foundations history, of which there are 47 spread throughout the United Kingdom. 

The fund will support projects tackling poverty and ill health, with priority given to organisations based in St Helens - the birthplace of the Pilkington legacy.  The Pilkington Charities Fund will offer grants of up to £20,000, including support for core costs - an area of funding often difficult for charitable organisations to secure.

This landmark agreement follows three years of detailed conversations and rigorous due diligence by the Trustees of the Pilkington Charities Fund.  Their decision to transfer the fund ensures a lasting commitment to the region, under the stewardship of Community Foundation for Merseyside - known for its strong local knowledge, community insight and robust due diligence.

The Pilkington name is deeply woven into the fabric of St Helens.  Founded in 1826, the Pilkington glass company grew from a modest operation into a global industry leader, pioneering the Float Glass process and becoming the UK’s sole manufacturer of plate glass by 1901.  Generations of the Pilkington family not only shaped the economic identity of the town but also gave back, supporting local charities and people facing hardship.  This transfer ensures that philanthropic legacy continues.

Rae Brooke, CEO of the Community Foundation for Merseyside, said:

"We feel incredibly honoured to be trusted with this historic legacy and are committed to using it to deliver lasting, tangible impact.  At a time of increasing need, this level of investment will be transformational - across St Helens and Merseyside, where the Pilkington story began."

Neil Jones, Chair of the Pilkington Charities Fund, said:

“As Trustees, we are acutely conscious of the Pilkington heritage and of the region that the Trust was established to support.  With the demands and complexity of today’s voluntary sector, we believe that the skills and focus of the Community Foundation for Merseyside will ensure that the Trust’s purposes will be met with renewed vigour.”

Emma de Closset, Chief Executive at UK Community Foundations, said:

"At UK Community Foundations, we are delighted that Pilkington Charity Fund – set up by a company valued by its community for nearly 200 years – will be able to continue giving back to important causes through the stewardship of Community Foundation for Merseyside.  This £25m transfer is the largest in our history and reflects the trust that local institutions have in their community foundations.  It is fantastic news for Merseyside charities and community groups.”

Pilkington Charities Fund will be permanently and predominantly ringfenced for charitable activity in Merseyside, with former Trustees continuing to have input.

To learn more about the fund or apply: visit Community Foundation for Merseyside's website.