The Johnson Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £152,000 (2023 expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not published
• Decision Time: Quarterly trustee meetings (4 times per year)
• Grant Range: Not specified
• Geographic Focus: Liverpool City Region only

Contact Details

Email: kate@johnsonfoundation.co.uk / hello@johnsonfoundation.co.uk

Phone: 0151 650 6987

Website: https://thejohnsonfoundation.co.uk

Address: G6, Pacific Road Business Hub, 1 Pacific Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 1LJ

Overview

The Johnson Foundation was established in 1987 by Peter Johnson, a Wirral businessman and philanthropist who founded Park Group Plc in 1966 (growing it to a £400 million turnover business) and served as owner of both Everton and Tranmere Rovers football clubs. The Foundation has raised more than £10 million for education, health, and the relief of poverty across the Liverpool City Region. With total income of £106,044 and expenditure of £151,976 (year ending March 2023), the Foundation focuses on promoting charitable purposes for the benefit of Liverpool and its immediate neighbourhood, particularly in the advancement of education, the preservation and protection of health, and the relief of poverty and sickness. The Foundation operates with 5 trustees, 2 employees, and 70 volunteers.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation operates a single open application process with no specific deadlines:

• General Grants: Amount not specified - For both capital and activity expenditure
• Application Method: Rolling basis, Word format application form only, sent to hello@johnsonfoundation.co.uk
• Meeting Schedule: Trustees meet four times annually to review applications

Priority Areas

• Welfare: Supporting vulnerable communities and poverty relief
• Youth: Including the “My Big Future” career inspiration programme for primary schools
• Community: Local community support initiatives
• Arts: Cultural projects benefiting the Liverpool City Region
• Education: Advancement of educational opportunities
• Health: Preservation and protection of health, relief of sickness

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals
• Full staff salaries or operational costs
• Social enterprises not registered with UK Charity Commission
• Sporting associations without charity or CASC registration
• Animal welfare charities
• Charities spending the majority of income outside the UK
• Local authorities and councils

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Governance and Leadership

Founder: Dr Peter Johnson (1939-2023) - Businessman, philanthropist, and former football club owner

The Foundation is governed by 5 trustees, none of whom receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The Foundation employs 2 staff members and is supported by 70 volunteers.

Peter Johnson was recognized for his philanthropic contributions with honorary degrees and fellowships from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University. His approach to philanthropy emphasized personal involvement and long-term support. Following his passing, his family made a £2.5 million donation to the University of Liverpool to advance Parkinson's Disease research in his memory.

Testimonials from Beneficiaries:

Stuart Brady, Headteacher: “The collaboration with businesses has been transformative, offering our 10-year-olds invaluable insights into various professions.”

Sophie Ellison, Deputy Headteacher: “We honestly cannot thank the Johnson Foundation enough - you are all very special human beings who clearly care a lot about making a difference in our world.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• One-stage application process with no specific deadlines
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year
• Must use the Word format application form only (available on website)
• Submit by email to: hello@johnsonfoundation.co.uk
• The Foundation may conduct site visits during the evaluation process
• Trustees reserve the right to request additional information or ask organizations to revise proposals before final decisions

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants include:

• UK registered charities working in the Liverpool City Region
• Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
• Educational establishments (including schools and universities)
• Churches
• Housing associations
• Museums and galleries

Must have a working base in the Liverpool City Region and projects must deliver direct benefit within the region.

Decision Timeline

• Trustees meet four times annually to review applications
• Specific decision timelines not published
• Organizations may be asked questions during the selection process

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations cannot apply if they are:

• Currently in receipt of a grant from the Foundation, OR
• Have applied within the last year

Organizations with liquid reserves covering more than 12 months of operational costs are unlikely to receive grants.

Application Success Factors

Key Considerations

1. Geographic Focus: Your organization must have a working base in the Liverpool City Region, and projects must deliver direct benefit within the region
2. Financial Health: Organizations with reserves covering more than 12 months are unlikely to be funded
3. Complete Applications: Thoroughly read the guidelines and include all requested information
4. Application Format: Only Word format applications are accepted - PDF or other formats will not be considered
5. Flexibility: Be prepared for site visits and additional questions during the evaluation process

Foundation's Approach

The Foundation emphasizes individualized support and helping people “as long as it takes” through their programs. Peter Johnson's legacy focused on giving financial support to local youth projects, education, and sport, with special attention to poverty alleviation and charities that cannot support their own fundraising.

Examples of Funded Work

• Kickstarted the radiation therapy programme at the Small Animal Teaching Hospital in Leahurst (over 6,000 patients treated)
• Child health research at Alder Hey Children's Hospital through the University of Liverpool
• “My Big Future” career inspiration and workshops for primary school students in Liverpool

Strategic Guidance

• Demonstrate direct benefit to Liverpool City Region communities
• Show how the grant will make a measurable difference
• Emphasize alignment with education, health, or poverty relief
• Be prepared to engage with the Foundation throughout the process

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute: Only Liverpool City Region organizations need apply - this is non-negotiable
• Open access is genuine: The Foundation emphasizes that you don't need to know anyone to apply, but you must meet eligibility criteria
• One-year waiting period: Plan ahead - if unsuccessful, you cannot reapply for at least one year
• Rolling deadlines work in your favour: Apply when your project is ready rather than rushing for a deadline
• Word format only: Ensure your application is submitted in the correct format to avoid immediate rejection
• Financial prudence matters: Organizations with excessive reserves will be viewed unfavorably
• Be ready for engagement: Possible site visits and additional questions mean you should be prepared for ongoing dialogue
• Capital and activity funding available: The Foundation funds both types of expenditure, giving flexibility in what you request

References

1. The Johnson Foundation Official Website - Funding Page. https://thejohnsonfoundation.co.uk/funding/
2. The Johnson Foundation Official Website - Homepage. https://thejohnsonfoundation.co.uk
3. UK Charity Commission Register - The Johnson Foundation (518660). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/518660
4. University of Liverpool News. “Honorary degree for Peter Johnson” (27 April 2023). https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2023/04/27/honorary-degree-for-peter-johnson/
5. University of Liverpool News. "£2.5M in memory of Merseyside businessman and football chairman to advance Parkinson's research" (9 July 2024). https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2024/07/09/2-5m-in-memory-of-merseyside-businessman-and-football-club-chairman-to-advance-parkinsons-disease-research/
6. University of Liverpool Giving Stories. “Remembering Dr Peter Johnson: A lasting legacy of philanthropy and impact at the University of Liverpool and beyond.” https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/giving/news/stories/title,1448151,en.php