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About us

History

Our story

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The Henry Smith Foundation's story begins in 1549 with the birth of Henry Smith in Wandsworth, London.

A successful businessman and moneylender, Henry built his wealth through trade and property. But it’s what he choose to do with that wealth that still shapes our work today.

Henry had no children of his own. Instead, he looked outward and set up a charitable trust to support people facing hardship.

When he died in 1628, he left a large sum of money behind to support social causes and this legacy continues almost 400 years later.

Supporting more people in need

One of the Foundation’s most important assets was the Kensington Estates, purchased in the 1640s. Once market gardens, the land grew in value as London expanded westward in the 19th century. The income these estates produced meant that the Foundation could extend its reach and support more people in need.

Through the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Foundation’s work was led by William Bray, our dedicated treasurer for over five decades. His meticulous records, including a published history in 1800, gives us a window into the Foundation’s early focus supporting ‘poor kindred’, (relatives on Henry Smith’s sisters side) and funding the release of captives held by Barbary pirates.

By the late 19th century, the Foundation’s focus had widened to fund a broader range of charitable causes.

Discover Kindred grants

Evolving with Purpose

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Throughout the 20th century, our work adapted to a changing world.

Initially, the Foundation focused on alleviating poverty, in rural communities facing financial difficulty. Grants were given for food, clothing, and apprenticeships for young men. Some parishes, like Ewell in Surrey, innovated and established a mutual savings bank to encourage good financial management among residents.

During and after World War II, the destruction of properties in Kensington prompted a reassessment of how we worked and what we funded.

A pivotal moment came in 1996, when the Foundation sold the Kensington Estates to the Wellcome Trust: this move unlocked new resources, allowing us to diversify our investment and expand our grantmaking significantly.

Nearly 400 years of purposeful giving

Since 1628, the Henry Smith Foundation has backed people and organisations working to tackle poverty and injustice. Today, we remain rooted in Henry Smith’s original vision of responding to need and investing in people and communities.

Our journey reflects a legacy of adapting to societal needs. In 2024, we distributed over £61 million in funding, reaching more than 410,000 people across the UK. Our 2025 – 2030 strategy builds on that legacy, focusing on some of life’s hardest transitions; early childhood, the journey into adulthood, and rebuilding after trauma or displacement.

We know the right support, at the right time, can unlock potential and change lives. That’s why we’re deepening our partnerships, growing our offer beyond funding, and investing in lasting change – just as Henry Smith intended.

Our history

Henry Smith is born in Wandsworth, Surrey. He goes on to become a successful businessman and moneylender in London.
On his death, Henry Smith’s will establishes a foundation aimed at alleviating poverty and supporting those in need.
The Foundation acquires 85 acres in Brompton, which later become the valuable Kensington Estates.
William Bray, the charity’s treasurer, publishes a detailed history of the Foundation, documenting its landholdings and philanthropic activities.
As London expands, the charity’s land in Kensington transforms into a prosperous urban area, increasing the Foundation’s income.
The charity broadens its support to a wider range of charitable causes beyond the original stipulations of Henry Smith’s will.
The Foundation’s properties suffer damage during the Blitz, leading to significant changes in property holdings and operations.
The sale of the Kensington Estates to the Wellcome Trust significantly increases the Foundation’s endowment, enhancing its grant-making capacity.
A new Charity Scheme is introduced, modernising operations and allowing for increased and more strategic grant-making
The Kindred Widening Project expands the number of registered descendants of Henry Smith’s family eligible for support, reflecting a commitment to historical obligations.
The Henry Smith Foundation launches its 2025–2030 strategy, focusing on three pivotal life transitions: Getting Started, Building Independence and Safer Futures.