The Wolfson Foundation is a British registered charity that awards grants to support science and medicine, health, education and the arts and humanities.
The foundation was established in 1955 and re-registered in 2014. The foundation was established by and named after Isaac Wolfson, chairman of Great Universal Stores (GUS). His wife and his son Leonard were the other founder trustees.
, the endowment of the Wolfson Foundation was just under ã1 billion, with expenditure of ã44 million on charitable activities. Since 1955, over ã1 billion had been awarded in grants (ã2 billion in real terms), with over 14,000 projects funded.
The foundation makes awards following a rigorous review process involving expert reviewers and advisory panels, and is recognised in the sector as a funder that listens actively to its applicants. Grants are generally given for capital infrastructure (new build, refurbishment and equipment).
The current chairman is Janet Wolfson de Botton, and the chief executive is Paul Ramsbottom.