Nicholas and Judith Goodison's Charitable Settlement

Nicholas and Judith Goodison's Charitable Settlement is an independent, family-led grantmaking trust established in 1991 by Sir Nicholas and Lady Judith Goodison to advance the arts, culture, heritage, and arts-related education across the UK. Rooted in the founders' deep personal commitment to artistic excellence and public benefit, it embodies a conservative, relationship-driven philanthropy, prioritizing sustained support for high-quality projects that preserve, interpret, and disseminate cultural resources. Governed by four Goodison family trustees, it focuses on strategic, repeat funding to a select group of established arts organizations, emphasizing public appreciation, education, and access.

The trust funds arts galleries, museums, performing arts groups, heritage charities, and music/cultural education providers, supporting activities like collection conservation, exhibitions, acquisitions, new commissions, catalogue/journal production, and outreach programs. Grantees include major institutions such as the British Library, Tate, Foundling Museum, and NMC Recordings, alongside groups like London Gardens Trust and Persona Arts, with occasional core funding for pivotal cultural work.

Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities based in England and Wales, typically established small-to-medium or nationally significant arts bodies with strong sectoral reputations; new entrants face high barriers without prior relationships. Grants range from £2,000 to £10,000, awarded via an invite-only process with no open applications, published deadlines, or online forms—decisions are adhoc by trustees.

Distinctively closed and non-competitive, it excludes direct people/community support, unsolicited proposals, and non-arts activities, differentiating itself through loyal, targeted backing of elite cultural preservation and education for enduring public impact.