Catherine Cookson's legacy - the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust

Dame Catherine became a multi-millionaire following her success. She donated over £1 million to medical research examining vascular diseases, including that conducted by the University of Newcastle with particular focus on detection of deafness in children. She also helped the university fund its Hatton Gallery and library. Furthermore, financial support went to less fortunate writers.

Today the Catherine Cookson Trust continues to make donations to worthy causes in the UK, especially to young or disadvantaged people in North East England, where Dame Catherine grew up.

History

1977

Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust

The trust was established in 1977 but after a few years was left dormant with the advent of Gift Aid.

1985

£800,000 pledged to the University of Newcastle

In 1985, Catherine Cookson pledged more than £800,000 to the University of Newcastle. In gratitude, the university set up a lectureship in hematology. Some £40,000 was given to provide a laser to help treat bleeding disorders and £50,000 went to create a new post in ear, nose and throat studies, with particular reference to the detection of deafness in children. She had already given £20,000 towards the university’s Hatton Gallery and £32,000 to its library. In recognition of this generosity, a building in the university medical faculty has been named after her. Her foundation continues to make donations to worthy causes in the UK, particularly those offering services to young people and cultural ventures, such as the Tyneside Cinema.

1998

Deaths of Dame Catherine and Tom

After being dormant, the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust started again following the deaths of Dame Catherine and Tom in June 1998.

Aims

The aim of The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust is to apply the income and capital to such charities or other charitable causes, cognisant of any wishes expressed by the settlor during her lifetime. The trust receives royalties relating to the work of Dame Catherine Cookson and offers financial support to suitable organisations.

The Catherine Cookson Trust supports a wide range of activities including education and training, environment and conservation, arts and culture as well as general charitable purposes. The Trust’s principal aim is to identify and meet the local needs of the area in which Dame Catherine was brought up and resided. In particular the Trust supports work with young or disadvantaged people.

Grants are generally awarded between £100 and £100,000 but occasionally larger sums where there are exceptional circumstances. There is no standard application form but written applications, enclosing a SAE should be sent to the correspondence address provided.

There is no set format or time limit for applications, which enables many groups to apply for a grant.

Apply Now

Financial

The financial report for the year ended 5th April 2021 shows the trust received £120,361 from royalty income before commission and £884,001 from investment income. The trust spent £1,033,250 on charitable donations in the year.

Apply Now

The Catherine Cookson Trust

If you're in education and training, environment and conservation, arts and culture, as well as general charitable purposes, your organisation could be eligible for a grant from the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust. Grants are generally awarded between £100 and £100,000 but occasionally larger sums are donated where there are exceptional circumstances. In particular, we aim to meet the needs of North East England, where Dame Catherine grew up and lived much of her adult life.

Apply Now