About us
World class bridge owner and London’s biggest independent charity funder
Our charity, City Bridge Foundation, was set up around 900 years ago for the maintenance of the old London Bridge. Through bridge tolls, rents, bequests and charitable donations, along with sensible investment and management, the fund has grown over the years.
Our primary aim remains to maintain our five bridges – Tower, London, Southwark, Millennium and Blackfriars bridges – but since 1995 we have also used surplus funds to award grants to charitable organisations across Greater London.
We currently award over £30 million to charities across the capital and have made a further £200 million available in the five years to 2026 to support London’s charity sector.
Our sole trustee is the City of London Corporation – the governing body for the Square Mile. Members of the Court of Common Council – the City Corporation’s primary decision-making body – form the City Bridge Foundation Board which governs our activities.
We aim to be catalytic, sustainable and impact driven in all we do.
Recent changes
City Bridge Foundation is the working name of the historic Bridge House Estates. From 1995 to September 2023 our charity funding team was known as City Bridge Trust. In September 2023, our bridges and charity funding teams were brought together under a new name – City Bridge Foundation.
For London to be a city where all individuals and communities can thrive, especially those experiencing disadvantage and marginalisation
To reduce inequality and grow stronger, more resilient and thriving communities for a London that serves everyone
We aim to be: Adaptive, Collaborative, Environmentally Responsible, Inclusive, Progressive, and Representative
Learn more about:
Our people
Our organisation is made up of an incredibly diverse group of people, doing very different jobs – from a Welcome Host at Tower Bridge, to a Data Analyst in our Funding Team.
Our governance
The City of London Corporation is the sole trustee of our charity. Find out more about our diverse functions, board and governance.
Working for us
Find out what it’s like to work here, what types of opportunities we have on offer and what you can receive in return.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
We are committed to being a truly inclusive, anti-racist organisation with a robust, progressive and proactive diversity, equity and inclusion programme.
Strategies
Funding
Once the charity has met its responsibilities of managing and protecting our five bridges, we’re able to distribute the surplus income for charitable purposes benefiting the people of Greater London.
Funding image credit: wocintechchat.com