The Noel Buxton Trust was established by Noel Edward Buxton (later the first Lord Noel Buxton) in 1919 to achieve social and economic progress in Britain and throughout the world. In setting up the Trust he was inspired by the example of his great grandfather Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton who played an important role in the emancipation of slaves and other social improvements. Noel Buxton was committed to a “worldwide view of human welfare” and resolved to promote it through philanthropic action.

At the Trust’s first meeting in 1919, a grant was made to the Fight the Famine Council which, under the leadership of Eglantyne Jebb and Dorothy Buxton, became the Save the Children Fund. The welfare of children and the needs of the family have continued to be strongly represented among the Trust’s beneficiaries up to the present day.

For over 100 years the Trust has supported organisations promoting social change and improvement.  Trustees continue to be guided by Noel Buxton’s vision “to make the Trust adapted to the state of the community”. Our trustees believe that this can be done best by responding to a limited range of important activities, which they understand well through their professional experience.