The Swann-morton Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £99,279 (expenditure FY 2025)
• Success Rate: N/A - no public application process
• Decision Time: N/A - trustee discretion
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales (primarily Sheffield area)

Contact Details

Address: Swann Morton Ltd, Owlerton Green, Sheffield, S6 2BJ

Phone: 0114 234 4231

Note: No website or dedicated email. Contact via the company address.

Overview

The Swann-Morton Foundation is a unique charitable trust established in 1976 as part of the employee ownership structure of Swann-Morton Ltd, the Sheffield-based surgical blade manufacturer. Founded on socialist principles that “claims of individuals producing in an industry came first, before anything else,” the company was gifted to its workers in 1964, with 50% of shares allocated to an employee trust and 50% to this charitable foundation. The foundation receives a proportion of company profits and focuses primarily on supporting local Sheffield hospitals with medical equipment purchases and providing educational grants, particularly to students who are relatives of company employees. With annual income of approximately £100,000 and three unpaid trustees, the foundation operates with minimal overhead and directs funds toward the advancement of medical education, research in surgery and medicine, and the relief of poverty and suffering among the sick and disabled.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee-directed grant making:

• Hospital Equipment Grants: Supporting local Sheffield hospitals with medical equipment (amounts not disclosed)
• Educational Grants: Financial support for students, typically relatives of Swann-Morton employees (amounts not disclosed)
• Employee Welfare: Relief of poverty for current/former employees of W. R. Swann & Co Limited

Priority Areas

• Medical education and research in surgery and medicine
• Healthcare equipment for hospitals
• Student support (particularly those connected to the company)
• Poverty relief for company employees/former employees
• Relief of suffering among those who are sick, injured, or disabled

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, unlikely to fund:

• Projects outside England and Wales
• Activities unrelated to healthcare or medical education
• International projects
• Commercial ventures

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees (unpaid):

• Mrs Judith Gilmour
• Mr Michael McGinley (former Managing Director of Swann-Morton Ltd)
• Mr George Rodgers

The foundation holds 50% of Swann-Morton Ltd shares (with employee trust holding the other 50%), creating a unique governance model embedding charitable objectives in company ownership.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on identified needs that align with foundation objectives. Support primarily goes to:

• Local Sheffield hospitals through established relationships
• Students who are relatives of Swann-Morton employees
• Current/former employees of W. R. Swann & Co Limited in need

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants made at trustee discretion

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

Given the closed nature of grant-making:

For Healthcare Institutions:

• Located in or serving Sheffield area
• Specific medical equipment needs
• Existing relationships with company or trustees

For Students:

• Relative of Swann-Morton employee
• Pursuing medical/surgical/healthcare education

For Welfare Support:

• Current/former employee of W. R. Swann & Co Limited
• Demonstrable financial need

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No public application process - all funding through trustee discretion
• Priority to company employees, families, and local Sheffield institutions
• Clear focus on medical/surgical education and equipment
• Unique employee ownership model with charitable giving embedded
• Annual giving tied to company profits (~£100,000 annually)
• Unless directly connected to Swann-Morton or Sheffield healthcare institutions, funding unlikely to be accessible
• Contact would need to be through company address/phone rather than direct foundation channels

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Woosnam Foundation
• C A Redfern Charitable Foundation
• THE TMT FOUNDATION
• The Janet Nash Charitable Settlement
• KHOO TECK PUAT UK FOUNDATION
• The Gilbert and Eileen Edgar Foundation
• MYRISTICA TRUST
• Sir Samuel Scott of Yews Trust
• The Arthur James Paterson Charitable Trust
• THE MIKE GOOLEY TRAILFINDERS CHARITY

References

1. UK Charity Commission - THE SWANN-MORTON FOUNDATION, Charity No. 271925

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/271925

Accessed: January 2026

1. Swann-Morton Ltd - Company FAQs

https://www.swann-morton.com/faqs/company

Accessed: January 2026

1. Swann-Morton Ltd - Company History

https://www.swann-morton.com/pages/history.php

Accessed: January 2026

1. Charity Choice - The Swann-Morton Foundation Profile

https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-swann-morton-foundation-149500

Accessed: January 2026

1. W. R. Swann and Co - Grace's Guide to British Industrial History

https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/W._R._Swann_and_Co

Accessed: January 2026