Creation of the John Spedan Lewis Foundation, 1964

Continuing the work of the Founder

The John Spedan Lewis Foundation was established in 1964, one year after the death of the Founder. The Foundation was proposed by the new Chairman and was suuported by the Central Council, to be a charitable foundation commemorating Spedan Lewis’ life. As such, the Foundation was simply carrying on the work enthusiastically embraced by the Founder.  

As the trust deed of the 14th December 1964 recorded, the Foundation was designed to

‘benefit any Charitable Objects selected from time to time by the Trustees and more especially such Charitable Objects as in the opinion of the Trustees reflect the wide range of interests of the said John Spedan Lewis’.

Foundation available to all

In selecting the charitable objects to which the Foundation would give money, it was held by the Council that generally, priority was given where it was expected to make a substantial difference to those in receipt of it. However all appeals for donations were considered by the Central Council.

Donations applenty

Donations have since been made to a wide range of causes and institutions, all of whom have required help for extremely different reasons. There is no doubt that through this generosity, the work and influence of Spedan Lewis continues be felt on a daily basis both inside and outside of the Partnership  

This picture opposite is a breakdown of donations made by the Foundation in the year May 1969 – May 1970 alone!