Eric Wright Charitable Trust unveils six-year charitable giving strategy

Bamber Bridge based Eric Wright Charitable Trust has launched its new 2026-2031 Charitable Giving Strategy.

This latest strategy builds upon the successes of the trust’s previous 10-year Charitable Giving Strategy, firmly rooted in its founding principles of supporting local charities and communities.

The trust is part of the construction to facilities management business Eric Wright Group.

The Eric Wright Group is 100 per cent owned by The Eric Wright Charitable Trust.

The trust is an independent UK grant making charity, wholly funded by the group.

It was established in 1990 in the belief that the role of business in society is ‘not to create wealth for the few but rather to help in building a strong community’.

The trust has shaped this new direction through meaningful collaboration, working closely with the charities it partners with, the individuals they have helped, and analysing sector trends. The strategy has been shaped to deliver focused, lasting results for the next six years.

To coincide with the launch of the strategy a new round of open funding is now live.  Funding is currently available for charities and projects that support young people’s development. 

Grants are available between £10,000 and £20,000 per year over three years and the closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 13 February. 

Key Highlights of the 2026-2031 Strategy

The new strategy will focus on supporting young and older people, working with charities that the trust has built long term relationships with, and new charities within those sectors. For young people, the trust will help their development and aspirations, complementing existing initiatives provided by The Water Park Lakeland Adventure Centre and The Eric Wright Learning Foundation.

For older people, the Trust will focus on enabling individuals to live well and stay connected in their communities.

Open funding will be available for charities supporting older people later in the year.

Grants will be directed primarily across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and South Cumbria, reflecting the origins and roots of the Eric Wright Group.

The introduction of multi-year funding will allow organisations to plan and deliver with greater confidence, providing stability to the people that they support.

Single year grants will continue to support smaller charities responding to immediate local needs.

Emma Goldthorpe, head of finance and governance of The Eric Wright Charitable Trust, said: “This strategy sets a bold new chapter in our work. It’s not just about funding; it’s about trust, sustainability, and delivering real change where it matters most.

"Our updated strategy reflects our ongoing commitment to the people and communities we support.”

To reflect this new strategy, The Eric Wright Charitable Trust has refreshed its visual identity, including an updated logo. The new design symbolises the clarity and strength of its purpose while reflecting its enduring connection to the communities it serves.

The Eric Wright Charitable Trust is an independent UK grant making charity, wholly funded by the Eric Wright Group.

The trust was established by Eric Wright in 1990, in the belief that the role of business in society is not to create wealth for the few but rather to help in building a strong community.

Find out more: ericwright.co.uk/charitable-trust/grants/open-funding.