A trust has launched in memory of philanthropist Julia Rausing, who passed away at the age of 63 in April.

The Julia Rausing Trust will donate £100m a year to UK charities and good causes in its first year.

It will focus on funding projects in three areas: arts and heritage; health and welfare: and education.

In its first wave of donations £20m of grants has been awarded to arts and heritage organisations, including £10m to the Royal Opera House, £5m to the National Gallery and £1m to Gloucester Cathedral.

The launch of the trust has been announced by the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust, which she launched with her husband a decade ago and will continue its separate grant making programme.

We are delighted to announce the launch of our sister trust, the Julia Rausing Trust, to honour the memory of the late philanthropist Julia Rausing. The Trust will give £100m in its first year. https://t.co/UCKzMqDFvE. #philanthropy #grants #giving pic.twitter.com/NiQSxsW5cc

— Julia & Hans Rausing Trust (@JHRTrust) July 12, 2024

Hans Rausing said: “The Julia Rausing Trust is a fitting legacy to Julia’s philanthropic vision and has been established to support causes that were close to her heart.

“Julia’s love for the arts was self-evident. She enjoyed a highly successful career in the arts and subsequently brought her expertise to supporting Galleries and Museums that benefit millions every year.”

“I hope that the Julia Rausing Trust will bring awareness to her generosity, demonstrate the important work philanthropy does, and support causes and organisations which are the backbone of our society.”

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