A family foundation has delayed plans to close after receiving £11m of replenishment funding from a larger charitable funder.
Gower Street had planned to close in 2030 after expecting to spend out an approximately £8m previously donated to the trust by founders Nick and Sophie Marple.
However, it has now announced a new phase of grantmaking thanks to replenishment funding by the Quadrature Charitable Foundation (QCF).
“The new pot, worth approximately £11m will be spent out to support building a more socially just, resilient and democratic future in the UK between 2026-31,” it said.
“This new phase of work reflects a broadening of vision by both QCF and Gower Street to acknowledge that tackling climate change will be achieved most effectively when addressed holistically alongside work to promote social, economic and democratic justice.
“The replenishment has been funded in recognition of the value Gower Street adds to civil society in the UK through our model of responsive, relationship-based grantmaking.”
New funding for UK only
Set up in 2007, Gower Street’s initial funding came predominantly from Nick Marple’s 30-year career in the sports gambling industry.
In 2018, Gower Street pivoted most of its funds to tackle climate change in the UK and Ghana.
Gower Street said the new £11m funding has been allocated from within the UK portfolio of QCF’s work, meaning it must be spent domestically.
However, the foundation will continue its work in Ghana, where it has three active work streams. It will “continue to explore replenishment opportunities” for its work in the west African country.
“For the remainder of 2026 we’ll focus on grantmaking within our existing portfolio and from 2027 we aim to be able to invite potential new partners to apply for funding,” it said.
“These invitations will mainly be a result of proactive research by the Gower Street team and advisors.”
The foundation said it is committed to maintaining an open route to reach it, “if you feel your work is strongly aligned with our areas of focus”.
During the year to 31 October 2025, the foundation made grants and donations amounting to £1.74m, up from £1.43m in 2023-24, its accounts show.
Prior to the QCF donation, Gower Street held £1.90m in total funds at the end of 2024-25.
QCF, meanwhile, gave out more than £300m in 2024-25, its accounts state.
