In 1913 (ten years after Letchworth Garden City was founded) Ebenezer Howard and nine others established the Trust, encouraging public-spirited citizens to donate or bequeath money for the benefit of the community.
At first, income was modest but in the 1960's several citizens, in particular, Dr Norman Macfadyen, bequeathed a considerable sum of money to the Trust. Advised by the then secretary, Mr Horace Plinston, the trustees made a number of wise investments. The annual income from those investments enables today's trustees to make grants and awards which total around £60,000 annually.
We still receive donations and legacies from community-minded individuals. If you would like to remember the work of The Letchworth Civic Trust in your will, then you should contact your solicitor for advice.