Samuel Lewis Foundation

The Samuel Lewis Foundation is a registered charitable organization in the United Kingdom, established with the aim of providing housing for those in need. The charity operates under the registered charity number 206611 and is linked to the Southern Housing Group, a prominent housing association in the UK.

History and Background

The foundation was established following the will of Samuel Lewis, a notable moneylender and philanthropist born in Birmingham in the 19th century. Lewis amassed considerable wealth through his moneylending business in London, catering mainly to the landed aristocracy. Upon his death, he left an estate valued at approximately £2.6 million, which was used to set up a charitable trust focused on the provision of housing for the poor. This mission is famously encapsulated in his motto: "I lend to the Lords; I give to the poor." The trust's first housing project was located in Liverpool Road, London.

In 2001, the Samuel Lewis Housing Trust rebranded as Southern Housing Group, which continues the original mission of providing affordable housing and managing housing projects across the southern region of England[5].

Activities and Financials

The Samuel Lewis Foundation primarily functions through investments and managing assets to support its charitable purpose. According to the Charity Commission's latest data, the foundation reported total expenditures of approximately £307,000, with other income sources amounting to £1.83 million, although no recent donations or legacies were listed. This financial structure suggests the foundation focuses on managing investments and assets to sustain its charitable activities over time[1].

Governance and Operations

The foundation is associated operationally with Southern Housing Group, which undertakes the day-to-day management of housing and related services. The group has its offices in London and provides a range of housing solutions and support services to its beneficiaries, continuing the legacy of Samuel Lewis’s philanthropic intentions[2][3].

Legacy

The Samuel Lewis Foundation plays an important role in addressing housing needs within the UK, continuing the philanthropic vision of its founder from the late 19th century. Its ongoing work through Southern Housing Group helps maintain affordable housing for vulnerable communities and contributes to the broader social welfare landscape of the region.

Note: This article is based on publicly available information from the Charity Commission and historical records related to Samuel Lewis and his philanthropic trust.

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=206611&subid=0 [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/206611/contact-information [3] https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/samuel-lewis-foundation-155715 [4] https://www.thelewisfoundation.co.uk/our-team [5] https://www.londonremembers.com/subjects/samuel-lewis