Lady Maria Fisher Foundation

The Lady Maria Fisher Foundation, established by trust deed on 1 May 2019, serves as a successor to the Sir John Fisher Foundation, perpetuating the philanthropic legacy of Sir John and Lady Maria Fisher with a focus on safeguarding assets for sustainable future grant-making. Governed by experienced trustees and managed through prudent investments with CCLA COIF Charity Fund, it emphasizes long-term stewardship, reserve-building, and flexible support for charitable causes, drawing from a tradition rooted in Barrow-in-Furness and extending nationally. Its ethos prioritizes forward planning, rigorous governance aligned with Charity Commission standards, and alignment with the parent foundation, including ongoing 2024 discussions for a merger into a new charitable incorporated organisation.

The foundation supports a broad spectrum of UK-registered charities, with no fixed thematic priorities, enabling grants for core, project, or capital needs across diverse causes benefiting people and communities. While its remit is intentionally generalist—local to national—it has historically favored organizations tied to Barrow-in-Furness and the Furness Peninsula, responding opportunistically to align with the founders' visionary philanthropy rather than rigid programs.

Eligibility is limited to UK-registered charities with no specified income thresholds, size restrictions, or geographic mandates beyond UK focus. However, it does not accept unsolicited applications, lacking open rounds, forms, or deadlines; funding decisions occur via trustee meetings without public schedules. No typical grant ranges are published, reflecting its current emphasis on asset growth over active distribution. Distinctively, it excludes open public funding processes, prioritizing legacy preservation and future capacity over immediate grants.