Peter Kershaw Trust

The Peter Kershaw Trust, established in 1974 by Peter Kershaw, then Chairman of Joseph Holt Brewery, is a grant-making charity dedicated to combating social disadvantage in Greater Manchester and North Cheshire—the brewery's historic operating area. Rooted in the Holt family's tradition of local philanthropy, the Trust's mission centers on alleviating social need among vulnerable groups through impartial, impact-driven funding. Its core values emphasize community responsibility, stewardship of resources, and public benefit, with a transparent, strategic approach favoring charities embedded in local communities for measurable improvements in life chances.

The Trust prioritizes social welfare initiatives addressing medical conditions, disability, addiction recovery, elderly support, youth work, mental health, disadvantaged families, homelessness, poverty, and inclusion efforts. It funds running costs, innovative projects, core operations, and direct service delivery for beneficiaries like youth clubs, disability organizations, addiction/illness charities, and advocacy groups for marginalized populations. A flagship program is the Peter Kershaw Memorial Bursary, awarding £50,000 over three years annually to youth-focused charities, especially those sparking new opportunities.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and academic institutions operating strictly in Greater Manchester (sometimes North Cheshire), with a preference for small to medium organizations (annual income under £1 million). Unsolicited applications are welcomed via official form plus financial statements, accepted anytime but due by 31 March for May trustee meetings (next: 31 March 2026) or 31 October for the Bursary; decisions follow biannual May/November meetings, communicated within 2-3 months.

Grants typically range £2,000–£10,000 for ordinary awards. Exclusions include capital building/renovation projects and individuals; its distinctives lie in hyper-local focus, support for both innovative and established groups, multi-year youth funding, and commitment to grassroots impact without fundraising.