The Foundation was established in 1971 as a generalist grant-making trust when Sir John Ellerman died. He had inherited his substantial wealth from the business interests set up by his father, especially in shipping - the family business was called Ellerman Lines. Sir John and his wife Esther had no children but through their lives they developed a growing and profound interest in philanthropy.

Today the Foundation uses Sir John's legacy to make grants totalling more than £4 million a year to about 180 different charities, mostly in the United Kingdom. For historical reasons we continue to support a few charities operating in Southern and East Africa. The Foundation makes grants in the following five categories:

- Health and Disability
- Social Welfare
- Arts and Heritage
- Conservation
- Overseas

We make grants only to UK registered charities which work nationally, not locally. Please look at our detailed guidelines which also explain how to apply to us for a grant.