JGW Patterson Foundation

The JGW Patterson Foundation, established in 2002 by Newcastle native and philanthropist John Patterson, supports research, equipment provision, and caring services to relieve cancer, arthritis, and rheumatological conditions in England's North East—specifically Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, Durham, and Cumbria. Inspired by family philanthropy, including his aunt's legacy to Newcastle University, the Foundation's mission emphasizes innovative medical advances, patient care enhancements where public services fall short, and capacity-building for sustained impact. With a risk-averse approach, diversified investments, and trustees including clinicians and academics, it prioritizes peer-reviewed, regionally focused initiatives that improve early diagnosis, treatments, and quality of life.

It funds pump-priming research projects, fellowships, PhD studentships (via university partnerships), bridging funds for research continuity, capital grants for equipment, and special purpose grants for hospices and charities serving these conditions. Beneficiaries include local NHS Trusts, universities, research units, and specialist organizations delivering scientific studies, clinical improvements, or direct patient support.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and academic institutions based in or serving the specified regions, with a preference for small- to medium-sized entities strongly aligned to its themes; no strict income thresholds apply, and unsolicited applications are welcome. Submit via the website's contact form to request the official form, at least one month before quarterly trustee meetings (typically February, May, September, November); academic proposals undergo peer review, with decisions in 2-4 months. Grants range from £5,000–£50,000, usually single-year and project-specific.

Exclusions include core/unrestricted costs, multi-year funding (rare), external PhD applications, and anything outside its geography or themes; its distinctive tight focus on underserved northern medical needs sets it apart for aligned local innovators.