Edith Murphy Foundation

Hello and welcome to the website of the Edith Murphy Foundation which is a registered grant making charity (no 1026062) established by Edith in memory of her late husband, Hughie. Its purpose is to support other organisations (predominantly, but not exclusively, other registered charities) that:

  • carry out research,
  • support individuals who by reason of their age, youth, infirmity, disablement, poverty or social and economic circumstances are suffering hardship, distress or are otherwise in need,
  • relieve the suffering and care for unwanted animals

The trustees have wide ranging powers to make grants and are not restricted by geographic boundaries. In reality because of the number of applications received the trustees concentrate on national charities and local causes in Leicestershire and the East Midlands.

As a registered charity the Foundation is required to demonstrate public benefit. As such no applications from individuals are considered.

The value of grants made is normally between £500 and £5,000 although larger grants are made in some circumstances.

Up to February 2024, since its inception in 1993 the charity has supported over 927 organisations with grants of around £23.9 million enabling these groups to carry out ground breaking research as well as providing much needed support to those in need of care.

Some of the major organisations we have supported are:

 

University of Leicester Towards the construction of the Medical Research facility.
De Montfort University Research in to the development of an artificial pancreas to aid diabetes sufferers.
Age UK Research at Edinburgh University into cognitive ageing and the development of premises in the Leicester area to support the work of local branches.
Stroke Association The care and support for survivors of strokes.
Leicestershire Cares An education programme run in conjunction with volunteers from businesses across the County.
RSPCA The development of veterinary facilities at the local Leicester branch.
Build IT International The training of new builders and building of new schools in Zambia.
Leicester Cathedral Support for the ministration of the parish of Leicester.