The Garfield Weston Foundation, based in London, began in 1958 when Canadian businessman Willard Garfield Weston endowed it with shares in Wittington Investments, relinquishing 80% of his family's wealth. These shares, tied to Associated British Foods (maker of Primark, Twinings, and Kingsmill), fuel its income, enabling annual donations around £100 million.
Weston stipulated that trustees must be his descendants, a rule upheld today: son Garry chaired from 1975 to 2000, growing grants from £1 million to over £30 million yearly; grandson Sir Guy took over in 2000, with sister Sophia as deputy chair handling decisions. Cumulative giving exceeds £1.5 billion.
The foundation funds UK charities in welfare, youth, community, environment, education, health, arts, heritage, and faith, prioritizing direct service delivery in disadvantaged areas. Over 1,500 groups receive support annually, from grassroots to national outfits.
Recent grants include £25 million to Oxford's Weston Library refurbishment in 2015 and £5 million in 2019 for RHS Bridgewater's walled garden restoration. During 2020/21, it disbursed £95 million, including a £30 million culture fund amid Covid. Past political donations to Conservatives (£900,000, 1993-2004) breached charity law, prompting Charity Commission action.
Family businesses' success directly scales its payouts, with trustees volunteering hands-on in supported causes.