Rick Mather David Scrase Foundation

The Rick Mather David Scrase Foundation, formed by merging the legacies of architect Rick Mather—renowned for modern museum designs—and art curator David Scrase, life partners whose interests in Italian old masters, performing arts, and environmental sensitivity endure through expert trustees, supports UK charitable projects embodying their vision. Established post-Mather's 2013 death and Scrase's 2020 passing, its mission emphasizes excellence, nurturing young talent via internships and fellowships, advancing architectural and curatorial legacies, and promoting progressive social inclusion, particularly homosexual rights and anti-discrimination efforts. With a finite 5-10 year lifespan, it spends both capital and income (~£200,000 annually) on high-impact initiatives aligned with founders' values of originality, legacy, and diversity.

Funding prioritizes art acquisitions for prestigious UK museums (e.g., V&A's Pugin works), maintenance of Mather's museum projects, scholarships in architectural practice, art curatorship, or horticulture (e.g., Great Dixter), and exceptional music/performing arts like Wigmore Hall recitals, Frederick Ashton Foundation programming, and Margot Fonteyn legacy enhancements. It backs major institutions, national bodies, and select individuals advancing cultural excellence or LGBTQ+ causes, including core costs only if project-integrated.

Exclusively invitation-only for UK-registered charities (medium-to-large with national/international standing; exceptional individuals considered), it imposes no income caps but favors established excellence over small grassroots groups. Typical grants range £5,000-£50,000 (rarely higher for outstanding impact), awarded rolling via trustee discretion without applications, deadlines, or unsolicited pitches—ensuring precise alignment with founders' sophisticated, talent-focused ethos.