Shears Foundation

The Shears Foundation, a family-led charitable foundation established in 1994 by Trevor and Lyn Shears from proceeds of the Go-Ahead transport group flotation, began with an £8 million endowment—now grown to over £16.5 million—and distributes around £700,000 annually to foster stronger, healthier, more equitable communities, primarily in England's North East. Rooted in the founders' ethos of sharing private wealth for public good, it emphasizes long-term impact through personal trustee engagement, family governance, and values of generosity, stewardship, and loyalty to place, blending sustained partnerships with openness to grassroots initiatives.

It prioritizes five themes: culture and arts development; educational opportunities for adults and children; natural environment protection and enhancement; stronger, sustainable communities; and health/medicine promotion via research and education (not direct services). Funding supports capacity building, access improvements, and systemic change for projects like youth mental health, arts participation, environmental volunteering, educational bursaries, marginalized group support (e.g., sex workers), and occasional overseas work with strong fit—favoring collaboration, leverage, and core/project costs including staff/overheads.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or CICs with income under £1.5 million (except core partners), at least three unconnected trustees/directors, and work predominantly in Tyne & Wear/Northumberland (55-60% of grants), York, Harrogate/Bradford, or Greater Manchester. New applicants must start with a compulsory phone/Zoom call, followed by online eligibility check and form submission; quarterly deadlines are 28/29 February, 31 May, 31 August, and 30 November, with outcomes in six weeks. Typical small grants are £3,000–£6,000; no capital projects, major equipment, or vehicles. Distinctive for its hands-on, trust-based relationships and North East rootedness, it sustains both deep partnerships and new opportunities for enduring community wellbeing.