The George Fentham Birmingham Charity was established over 300 years ago to benefit people in the City of Birmingham.
In its early years, the charity focused on helping the poor in George Fentham’s hometown and surrounding areas, providing funds for education, apprenticeships, and care for the elderly. As Birmingham grew into a major industrial hub in the 18th and 19th centuries, the charity expanded its reach to meet the evolving needs of the city.
It began offering grants for schools, supporting hospitals, and funding projects that improved the living conditions of the city's working-class residents. Throughout this period, the charity adapted its work to address the pressing social and economic challenges faced by Birmingham's rapidly growing population.
About us
General Grants
Grants to charities which provide services or facilities to those in need, hardship or distress in the City of Birmingham.
Educational Grants
Grants for students in need of financial assistance under the age of 25 who are long term residents of the City of Birmingham.
Get involve now
Unlock your potential and take the next step toward your future with a bursary that empowers you to achieve your educational and career goals.
By applying you become an important part of George Fentham’s legacy, ensuring that his spirit of generosity benefits the people of Birmingham today and for generations to come.
Area of benefit
The charity serves the City of Birmingham across its areas of benefit, providing support to districts throughout the city.
Today, the George Fentham Birmingham Charity continues to uphold the values and mission set by its founder. It remains a vital part of the city’s charitable landscape, providing financial assistance to individuals, educational institutions, and community organisations. By awarding grants and bursaries, the charity helps people from all backgrounds access education, improve their health, and develop their communities, ensuring that George Fentham’s legacy of generosity lives on.
Meet our trustees
These are the dedicated Trustees who oversee the George Fentham Birmingham Charity and guide its mission to support the community.
Martin Holcombe
Chair
Julie Scarratt
Representative Trustee
Paul Tunnadine
Co-optative Trustee
Harry Naylor
Representative Trustee
Sammy Li
Representative Trustee
Suman Watts
Co-optative Trustee
History
The George Fentham Birmingham charity traces its origins back to the 17th century, when George Fentham, a successful businessman and landowner, established a charitable trust with the aim of improving the lives of those in need.
Born in 1630 in Hampton-in-Arden, Fentham was deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. Upon his death in 1698, he left a significant portion of his estate to be used for charitable purposes, with a specific focus on education, health, and welfare.
He made his Will in 1690 which provided for the division of his estate into three parts Hampton in Arden, Birmingham and the Residue – The Birmingham element “to provide relief for the poor and for the teaching of poor children”.
He left large areas of land in Erdington on charitable trusts and these areas were later developed as part of the City. Over the years the freehold land was sold and the moneys invested. The investments have grown in value over the years and the Charity now has an endowment fund of approximately £5,000,000. The yearly income from the investments is used to support the charitable purposes of the Charity.
His vision was to support the less fortunate, ensuring that his wealth contributed to the well-being of future generations.
Annual Accounts
The last 3 years of accounts as PDFs. You will need the free Adobe PDF Reader to view these.