A Cambridge-based grantmaking charity has transferred its assets to another charity, resulting in the creation of a “historic philanthropic” fund.
Yesterday, the Pye Foundation transferred its £2.3m endowment to Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, creating the Pye Foundation Fund.
The charities said the fund is expected to award more than £100,000 in grants per annum.
The transfer, described as “a significant moment for East Anglian philanthropy”, was approved by the Charity Commission and the trustees of both charities.
Preserving Pye’s philanthropic vision
The Pye Foundation was established by the directors of Pye Radio in 1936 as the Pye Trust Fund to support company employees.
The charity’s prime objective is to ensure “strong social and welfare support is available to ex-employees of the Pye and Philips businesses, primarily in East Anglia”.
Over the last decade, it has awarded more than £2m in grants.
The charities said the fund will continue to support organisations and schools in the Cambridge and Peterborough postcode areas and Lowestoft.
“This will include funding for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and projects that preserve Pye’s heritage in the history of science and technology in East Anglia,” they said.
“All existing grants will continue to be honoured, and current grantees won’t be affected by the transfer.”
Bob Bates, former chair of the Pye Foundation, said: “The decision to transfer our assets to Cambridgeshire Community Foundation reflects our confidence in their expertise and commitment to local grantmaking.
“This partnership ensures that Pye’s philanthropic vision will continue in perpetuity, with even greater reach and efficiency for the communities we serve.”
Delivering greater impact
Cambridgeshire Community Foundation was founded in 2004 and has since then awarded over £32m through more than 10,000 grants.
The charity has supported thousands of organisations such as charities, community groups, schools and sports clubs across Cambridgeshire.
Chief executive Michael O’Toole said: “We’re honoured to steward the Pye Foundation Fund and preserve its important legacy.
“This partnership allows us to combine decades of local grantmaking expertise with the trusted heritage of the Pye name, delivering even greater impact for our community.”
Several Pye Foundation trustees will continue to be involved in the grantmaking process to ensure “the fund’s values and vision remain at its heart”, the charities said.
Applications to the Pye Foundation Fund will open on 2 November, with the first deadline being 1 February 2026.
More information can be found here.
