Lord Leverhulme's Charitable Trust

Lord Leverhulme's Charitable Trust, established in 1962 by the 3rd Viscount Leverhulme, Philip William Bryce Lever, upholds the family's philanthropic legacy by delivering targeted grants for enduring community benefit in Cheshire, Merseyside, and South Lancashire. Rooted in values of trust, autonomy, and stewardship, the Trust empowers well-governed organisations through a light-touch, relationship-driven approach, minimising bureaucracy to foster transformational impact via capital investments that enable lasting regional improvements.

It prioritises capital projects—such as buildings, facilities, and major infrastructure—at organisational milestones or anniversaries, focusing on health, education, medical research, disability support, young people, and broader public benefit. While favouring these "once-in-a-generation" initiatives over revenue or core costs, it may offer responsive support for running shortfalls to established partners with robust justification. Beneficiaries include longstanding regional institutions like the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and University of Liverpool, often receiving repeat or substantial anniversary funding.

Eligible applicants are limited to UK-registered charities and academic institutions based in or significantly impacting Cheshire, Merseyside, or South Lancashire, with a preference for medium-to-large, regionally embedded organisations demonstrating strong governance and community ties. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; grants are invitation-only or proactive, typically awarded adhoc by trustees in consultation with partners. Named scholarships (e.g., via Harper Adams University) follow specific partner deadlines, like 19 November 2025.

The Trust avoids project, seed, or emergency funding for new/small groups, work outside its core geography, or ongoing core costs without established relationships. Its distinctives include unwavering regional focus, historical legacy ties, and a small cohort of repeat grantees, with typical grants of £50,000–£500,000 (up to £1 million for majors).