The Lofthouse Foundation
Charity Number: 1038728
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
- Success Rate: Not available
- Decision Time: Not specified
- Grant Range: Not specified (historically millions for major projects)
- Geographic Focus: Fleetwood and Fylde Coast (FY postal code areas)
Contact Details
Address: Lofthouse of Fleetwood Ltd, Maritime Street, Fleetwood, FY7 7LP
Phone: 01253872435
Email: Not publicly available
Website: Not publicly available
Overview
The Lofthouse Foundation was established in 1994 by Doreen and Tony Lofthouse as a charitable foundation connected to the Fisherman's Friend company. The foundation focuses on “the provision of such amenities and facilities for the benefit of the public as are not provided from public funds” specifically for the inhabitants of Fleetwood and the Fylde Coast. With substantial assets of £67.4 million as of 2023 and unrestricted reserves of £105.1 million, the foundation has donated tens of millions of pounds to local causes over its 30-year history. Following Doreen Lofthouse's death in 2021, she bequeathed £41 million in company shares to the foundation, ensuring its continued operation under the guidance of current trustees including Chair D.C. Lofthouse, Kieran Michael Ryan, and Linda Mary Lofthouse.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation does not appear to operate formal grant programs but rather focuses on strategic community investments and infrastructure projects.
Priority Areas
- Community amenities and facilities not provided by public funding
- Healthcare infrastructure (hospital refurbishments, medical equipment)
- Recreation facilities (playgrounds, sports facilities)
- Public realm improvements and civic works
- Arts and cultural projects (statues, artwork)
- Youth facilities and programs
- Maritime and rescue services support
What They Don't Fund
- Projects outside the Fleetwood and Fylde Coast area (FY postal code)
- Amenities typically provided by public funds
- Organizations not serving the local community
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Governance and Leadership
The foundation is governed by a small board of trustees with strong connections to the Lofthouse family and business. Current trustees include D.C. Lofthouse as Chair, Kieran Michael Ryan (appointed 2021), and Linda Mary Lofthouse (appointed 2021). The foundation maintains close ties to Lofthouse of Fleetwood Ltd, the makers of Fisherman's Friend. Doreen Lofthouse, who established the foundation, became known as “the mother of Fleetwood” for her charitable contributions and was awarded an OBE in 2007 for her community service.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
No formal application process is publicly documented. The foundation appears to operate through direct community engagement and strategic initiatives rather than open grant applications.
Decision Timeline
Not specified - appears to operate on a project-by-project basis.
Success Rates
Not available due to lack of formal application process.
Reapplication Policy
Not specified.
Application Success Factors
Given the foundation's history, successful projects appear to share these characteristics:
- Clear benefit to the Fleetwood and Fylde Coast community
- Address gaps not filled by public funding
- Focus on long-term community assets and infrastructure
- Demonstrate significant local impact
- Align with the foundation's mission of providing public amenities
Historical funding suggests they prefer substantial, transformative projects over small grants, including the £1 million Mount Garden restoration, hospital refurbishments, and major civic improvements.
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Geographic requirement is absolute: Must serve Fleetwood and Fylde Coast (FY postal areas)
- Focus on infrastructure: Historical preference for physical amenities and facilities
- No formal application process: Direct contact and relationship building likely required
- Large-scale impact preferred: Track record suggests preference for significant community investments
- Community benefit focus: Projects must provide clear public benefit not available through government funding
- Long-term perspective: Foundation has 30-year history of sustained community investment
- Family foundation approach: Personal relationships and community knowledge appear important
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References
- Charity Commission Register: The Lofthouse Foundation (1038728)
- Wikipedia: Doreen Lofthouse
- Blackpool Gazette: "Fisherman's Friend tycoon Doreen Lofthouse left £41 million fortune to charity" (2021)
- Today's Wills and Probate: "Fisherman's Friend owner donates £41 million to town of Fleetwood"
- Find That Charity: The Lofthouse Foundation charity details
- Giving is Great: The Lofthouse Foundation charity factsheet
- Accessed: September 26, 2025