The John Spedan Lewis Foundation (JSLF) is focused on the personal interests of John Spedan Lewis (1885 – 1963), the founder of the John Lewis Partnership (John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners) who was a keen naturalist. The JSLF was established in 1964 following Spedan’s death.

Through small grants awarded at our bi-annual meetings, we support UK registered charities with natural history, wildlife conservation and horticulture among their stated charitable aims, continuing the interests of John Spedan Lewis.

Today the JSLF is administered by the JLP Chairman and Partnership Council President (as Chair and ex officio trustee, respectively), a Secretary and three additional trustees: one elected via the Partnership Council’s democratic process, and two external Trustees recruited by the Board who bring expertise from the world of natural history and biological sciences.

The JSLF Board of Trustees meets bi-annually to consider funding appeals from registered UK charities.

The JSLF accepts appeals from UK registered charities for which natural history topics are explicitly stated among their charitable purposes, including wildlife conservation, entomology and ornithology.

The Foundation also sponsors a doctoral studentship every three to four years.

Registered charity no: 240473