Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust

The Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust, established by trust deed in 1982 and significantly endowed after founder Elizabeth Creak's death in 2013, is a UK-based philanthropy rooted in her legacy as a pioneering farmer and businesswoman. Its core mission is to advance the health, fairness, and sustainability of UK food production by investing in education, research, leadership development, and innovation in agriculture and horticulture. Guided by values of fostering talent, practical impact, and resilience against challenges like climate change and food security, the Trust prioritizes initiatives that equip farmers, scientists, and leaders with skills, tools, and evidence-led solutions for sector-wide benefit.

It funds postgraduate scholarships (e.g., Clyde Higgs Scholarships at universities like Warwick, Harper Adams, Royal Agricultural, and Newcastle; Nuffield Farming Scholarships), research infrastructures like the Elizabeth Creak Horticultural Technology Centre and Chair in Food Security at Warwick, leadership awards, and projects through established institutions focused on crop resilience, disease resistance, nutritional quality, and technology translation to farms. Beneficiaries are primarily UK academic institutions, training bodies, and sector organizations delivering education, innovation, and public engagement with national impact.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or academic institutions based in the UK (with special Warwickshire interest), but only via strategic partnerships—no unsolicited applications. Typical grants range £3,000–£10,000 for scholarships; larger negotiated project grants. Applications occur through partner institutions (e.g., deadlines: Nuffield 31 July 2024; RAU Clyde Higgs 12 September 2025; Warwick 15 September 2025). The Trust excludes direct people/communities support, small/grassroots charities, unrestricted funding, and non-UK activities, distinguishing itself through its laser-focused, institution-led approach to building technical excellence and future agricultural leadership.