£3million in support of people, skills and creativity
In Spring 2025, we reinvigorated our philanthropy with the launch of the Goldsmiths’ Foundation. Focussing on advancing creative, technical, and vocational skills, education and training, the Foundation supports partners in our industry, and the wider creative sector, to achieve personal, cultural and social transformation.
Philanthropic giving - which is first mentioned in the Company’s earliest minute book of 1334 - is at the heart of who we are and what we do, and in the last 12 months has enabled our charity partners to support the development of skills and progression for more than 250,000 people.
At time of writing, our Trustees are selecting the recipients of the Foundation’s inaugural grants programme. While this continues at pace our commitment to fund existing grants – including our long-term commitment to the Goldsmiths’ Centre and to recipients of our multi-year Landmark programme – remains, with fantastic results being delivered by all our charity partners across the UK.
A snapshot of our funded partners
The Goldsmiths’ Centre is an independent charity founded by the Goldsmiths’ Company in 2012, our largest single direct investment in the future of our trade and craft. It exists to support the jewellery, silversmithing and allied industries through learning and professional development, and aims to close the industry’s skills gap so that creativity, craftsmanship and community can thrive.
LandWorks offers a supported route back into employment and the community for people in prison or at risk of going to prison. Alongside practical resettlement support and counselling, LandWorks provide experience in woodworking, vegetable growing, landscaping, construction, cooking and arts & crafts. Building social skills, increasing self-worth, and encouraging self-responsibility, the aim is to holistically overcome the challenges that ex-offenders face.
The South House Silver Workshop Trust supports the next generation of silversmiths through training, development and mentorship during fully funded, month-long residential stays at workshops in Shetland and Sheffield.
HMS Prince of Wales is part of the Royal Navy’s two-strong fleet of Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, and one of four Goldsmiths’ Company military affiliates. In 2025, HMS Prince of Wales received a grant to enhance the welfare and comfort of its 1600 crew members during an 8-month deployment.
Our Landmark Programme partners
St. Pauls - St. Paul’s Cathedral is undertaking major restoration and conservation of its Cupola, Ball, and Cross. Rising from the Golden Gallery on top of the Dome, at 365ft high, the structure is an iconic symbol of the City of London. The project will raise awareness of heritage craft skills and train apprentices in skills in masonry, lead working and gilding.
St. Giles - St. Giles’ Peer Empowerment Programme will help more than 80 prisoners in five prisons to develop new skills and gain Level 3 qualifications in Advice and Guidance. This industry-standard qualification, alongside on-the-job training and pathways into placements, creates the basis for long-term, transformative change for those leaving prison.
The National Literacy Trust - The National Literacy Trust's Goldsmiths’ 500 Writers programme aims to improve the literacy skills of disadvantaged children in Bradford by empowering teachers to deliver memorable cultural experiences and curated lessons. Following a highly successful first year the programme now aims to work with more than 1000 pupils!
Goldsmiths Institute - Goldsmiths Institute embeds skills and design-based training within Aston University Engineering Academy’s curriculum for students aged 13-18. Driving interaction, training and talent pipelines between educators, learners, and employers, the Institute - which launched the UK’s first Jewellery T-Level in Autumn 2024.
Written by Chris Mann | Illustrated by Laura Barnard