New Queen Elizabeth Trust To Support Communities

A new UK-wide charity, The Queen Elizabeth Trust, has been established to honour the life and service of Queen Elizabeth II, marking the centenary of her birth.

Announced by the Cabinet Office and the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, the Trust will focus on strengthening communities by supporting and regenerating shared local spaces. These could include underused buildings, green spaces, and neighbourhood hubs, places that bring people together and foster a sense of belonging.

His Majesty King Charles III has accepted the role of Royal Patron, reinforcing the Trust’s mission to carry forward the late Queen’s enduring commitment to public service and community life.

Backed by a £40 million government endowment, the Trust aims to fund projects that not only improve local spaces but also support communities with the skills and resources needed to sustain them. The initiative reflects a long tradition of “living memorials” that create lasting, practical benefits, echoing past efforts such as the King George V Playing Fields.

The Trust forms part of a wider programme of commemorations, alongside a national memorial in St James’s Park and a digital memorial, recognising the late Queen’s legacy at local, national, and global levels.

Further details on funding criteria and how communities can get involved are expected in the coming months.

Read the full announcement here.