Our History
The Morris Charitable Trust was established in 1989 by the Morris Family to provide support for charitable causes predominantly operating in the London Borough of Islington. Their main company, the Business Design Centre Group was founded in 1954 and the Business Design Centre itself was developed in 1986 on Upper Street; transforming the building formerly known as the Royal Agricultural Hall into the well-loved multipurpose trade centre and events venue it is today.
Every year the Business Design Centre donates a significant sum of its profits to the Trust who then use this to fund projects and other charitable causes within the local community. The Morris Charitable Trust is run by a Board of Trustees, made up of both members of the Morris Family and the Company’s Board of Directors, all of whom provide their services on a voluntary basis.
Our Aims
The key aims of the Trust are to focus funding towards those in disadvantaged groups, the elderly or isolated and in particular towards the advancement of education and community facilities. Particular emphasis is placed on alleviating social hardship and deprivation and, because of the Morris Family’s history and business location, these are primarily causes within the community of the London Borough of Islington.
The Trust usually funds capital and ‘one-off’ charitable projects, although consideration is occasionally given to other innovative community projects as well as exceptional crisis funds. Most recently the Trustees have been supporting the work the local community have been doing through the Coronavirus Crisis, with grants to individual causes as well as through the Islington Giving Crisis Fund.
Education
Our grants enable the advancement of education in schools and other community learning settings.
Hardship
We fund projects supporting those in need of services or resources they may otherwise not receive.
Health
The trust aims to help causes that enhance the enjoyment of the lives of those who are sick or elderly.
Community
We improve the financial circumstances of worthwhile causes for the benefit of community groups.
Apply for funding
Following the acquisition of the Business Design Centre Group of companies by Excel London, The Morris Charitable Trust is no longer receiving applications for donations.