The Foundation was set up as a generalist grantmaking trust in 1971. We continue with the broad philanthropic interests of our benefactor Sir John Ellerman, while reflecting changing times.
Our aim is to advance the wellbeing of people, society and the natural world, by focusing on the arts, environment and social action. We believe these areas can make an important contribution to wellbeing.
As a responsive funder we listen to what our applicants think is important rather than pursuing our own agenda.
We support organisations whose work has reach and significance across the UK. In order for our funds to have as wide an impact as possible we look for charities that have a national footprint.
We will support core costs or projects, depending on what is most needed. We are happy for our grants to be used as matched funding.
We wish to be flexible in our funding. We do have funding criteria but there are times when we will venture outside them if we believe it would be more effective.
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John Ellerman Foundation was set up by John Reeves Ellerman, 2nd Baronet (Bt.) in 1971
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We aim to invest and manage our funds in a way that balances the desire to maintain the financial capacity for grantmaking over the long-term, with direct support for our aims through our investment activities.
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