THE MORRAB LIBRARY

The Morrab Library is an independent library established in 1818, situated in the beautiful Morrab Gardens in Penzance, Cornwall. It holds over seventy thousand books as well as archives and a rich photographic collection, all located in the rambling rooms of a delightful Victorian building.

The Charity exists to advance public education and provide its members and the public access for research purposes and day visits including links with schools and universities.

Grant funding has been provided since 2012 for general operating expenses and various projects including the Library extension completed in 2013 and the Patricia Eschen Prize for Poetry which was launched in 2022.

COSTUME STORE IMPROVEMENTS

The museum, based in Helston, Cornwall, houses one of the largest social history collections in the South West ranging from archaeological evidence of the earliest settlers to the Lizard Peninsula to a fully stocked 1950’s kitchen.

The Charity exists to advance public education about the heritage, arts and crafts of the South Kerrier area around Helston and the Lizard Peninsula.

A grant application was approved in December 2023 to fund the construction of a mezzanine floor for the museum costume store allowing additional space for expansion and preservation of rare, historic items.

SUPPORT FOR ANNUAL FESTIVAL

The Festival, held for five days in July each year, brings an eclectic selection of authors, writers and performers to West Cornwall.

The charity works with youth and schools to advance education, appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of all forms of literature.

A grant application was approved in 2024 and 2026 to fund both regular activities for the festival and allow exploration of new and exciting areas which help enhance its reputation and help build a lasting legacy for Penzance and Cornwall.

ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION PROGRAMS

Paradise Park is a wildlife sanctuary and indoor play centre located in Hayle, Cornwall since 1973. The Park is family run and home to the registered charity, the World Parrot Trust from 1989 which hosts over 1,200 birds and mammals alongside 14 acres of beautiful subtropical gardens.

A grant application was approved in 2025 to fund an interactive, evidence-based, accessible learning program exploring the evolutionary journey from dinosaurs to birds as well as the causes and impacts of mass extinction.

POETRY RESIDENCY - JODIE HOLLANDER

The Trust, based in Calderdale, West Yorkshire, curates the home and birthplace of former poet laureate, Ted Hughes. The charity exists to advance public education by promoting awareness and understanding of his life and work. Run by a small but enthusiastic group of volunteers who love Hughes's work and are determined that his literary legacy will live on through exhibitions, festivals and walks.

A grant application was approved in September 2025 for a three week poetry residency for the American poet and educator, Jodie Hollander in June 2026, hosted by the Elmet Trust at Hughes's home, 1 Aspinall Street, Mytholmroyd, and supporting her teach workshops, give readings and to connect with Ted Hughes scholars and friends. 

THE SERENA WADHAM PROJECT.

awen productions is an award-winning production company based in St Buryan, West Cornwall making immersive and cinematic creative documentaries and audio-visual media content.

The ethos at the heart of awen productions is the creative use of digital media as tools for positive social change.

An award was granted by the National Heritage Fund and The Myner Trust in June 2026 to fund a three year project which will uncover a fascinating glimpse into Cornwall’s recent past and a daring, brave, politically minded artist and woman, Serena Wadham, the renowned photojournalist, activist and trailblazer.

TRIBAL POETRY PROJECT

The museum is a private, non- profit educational institution founded in 1928 by a group of Flagstaff citizens. It sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks on homeland sacred to the Native Americans throughout the region.

The museum exists to protect and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of northern Arizona through research, collections, conservation and education.

An award was granted in January 2026 for American poet and educator, Jodie Hollander, to hold poetry workshops with local schools with significant tribal populations where students would have an opportunity to explore their own voice and cultural roots through the medium of poetry.

SCHOOL RENTAL AGREEMENT

The Centre, established in 2011 as the ‘School for the Urban Poor’ in Perai, Malaysia, has been providing educational support for 15 years to Rohingya refugee children in Years 1-6. Students are taught in English to facilitate resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The Centre has a board of five volunteers and employs six teaching staff and operates out of a converted 4-storey shop. While school fees cover approximately fifty per cent of operating costs, the remainder has to be generated through fund raising.

An award was granted in January 2026 to provide facilities to accommodate additional teaching staff and students and increase overseas placement.