The origin of the Foundation lies in gifts and donations for the poor and needy made to the Church of St. Giles Without Cripplegate. The parish, named after one of the gates in the walls around the City of London, extended to the north to include the ancient manor of Finsbury. Today, the medieval Church stands in the heart of the Barbican estate.
Cripplegate Foundation exists today thanks to the generosity and stewardship of these gifts and many local people over 519 years. History is important, but the work of the Foundation today is guided by research, evidence and consultation with Islington residents.
2nd April 1500
The first recorded gift, of £40, to St. Giles Without Cripplegate was made in John Sworder’s will. Part of Mr Sworder’s donation was earmarked to provide trousers for local people. Over the centuries, many men and women followed his example, leaving gifts for education or assisting the poor.
1891
Cripplegate Foundation was established by the London Parochial Charities Act. It amalgamated all the charitable donations previously administered as separate trusts. All the assets of the Vestry of the Parish of St. Giles Cripplegate given for charitable purposes were transferred to the new Foundation.
1896
The Cripplegate Institute – latterly a theatre – was built on Golden Lane, with reading and reference libraries, classrooms, a theatre and even a rifle range. The Institute later ran a Secretarial College.
1973
The Cripplegate Institute closed, and the Foundation became a grant making trust. The exterior of the Institute still exists, but is now office space.
1982
The Barbican Centre officially opened in the area surrounding the Church of St. Giles Without Cripplegate.
2008
The Foundation’s area of benefit was extended to cover the whole of Islington.
2010
In 2010, Cripplegate Foundation brought together local and national organisations to establish Islington Giving, to act on the findings of our ‘Invisible Islington’ report, published in 2008. Cripplegate Foundation chairs the board of Islington Giving, which has raised almost £10 million since 2010. We manage and finance all the operational work underpinning Islington Giving, meaning 100% of donations to Islington Giving are awarded as grants to benefit local residents.
Who’s involved
Since 2010, residents, local, national, and international funders and businesses, and over 75 voluntary organisations have worked together with Islington Giving to tackle poverty and inequality in the borough.
The board of Islington Giving is made up of core partners. Each contributes financially, and brings expertise and experience.
How can I get involved?
If you would like to support Islington Giving by making a donation, volunteering, or bringing new ideas to life, Visit Islington Giving’s website
If you would like to apply for funding, joining other effective organisations that make a difference to people’s lives with Islington Giving.