Goldsmiths' Foundation awards £750000 to 17 charities

Seventeen Charities awarded over £750,000 in 1st round of Goldsmiths’ Foundation Grants

Seventeen charities and cultural organisations across the UK have been awarded a combined total of £750,227 in the first round of grant funding from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation, marking a significant step in the charity’s commitment to supporting vocational training, heritage skills, and creative inclusion.

The inaugural grants programme, launched earlier this year, invited applications from UK-based charities seeking up to £50,000 in funding for either core costs or specific projects. The Foundation reported a high calibre and diversity of submissions from organisations united by a shared mission: to use creativity as a vehicle for social change.

“This was an incredibly competitive and inspiring process,” a spokesperson for the Foundation said. “We are thrilled to be supporting such a broad spectrum of organisations, each working to dismantle barriers, preserve vital skills, and open new opportunities for people often left behind.”

The 17 selected charity recipients span the UK and reflect a deep commitment to community impact and innovation. Among the funded projects is a heritage centre located on the banks of Loch Tay in Perthshire, which runs apprenticeship programmes for young people facing barriers to employment. Another recipient provides paid, high-level training in needlework and textile production to prisoners and prison leavers, supporting their rehabilitation through skilled creative employment.

These grants aim to strengthen the capacity of organisations working at the intersection of creativity, heritage, and inclusion - particularly those serving underrepresented communities. Whether through preserving ancient craftsmanship or developing new vocational pathways, the selected charity projects reflect a growing recognition of the role creative industries can play in driving social equity.

The Goldsmiths’ Foundation’s grantmaking programme represents a significant evolution in its philanthropic strategy, aligning closely with its broader mission to support education, skills development, and the promotion of excellence in craftsmanship.

The Foundation confirmed that future rounds of funding will continue to prioritise projects that blend creativity with social purpose. “This is just the beginning,” the spokesperson added. “We look forward to deepening our partnerships and supporting the incredible work these organisations are doing across the UK.”