Skinner’s Fund

The Skinner’s Mill at Stradbroke near Eye has been a traditional part of the Suffolk landscape since 1688.

The Mill has belonged to the Skinner family for seven generations, but it was the idea of the current Chairman, Roger Skinner, to branch into dry dog foods in the early 1970s. Employing over 40 local people, Skinner’s has become one of Suffolk’s most successful brands and has now extended its Suffolk roots even deeper into the community by creating a charitable endowment fund for long-term local giving.

As one of the original sponsors of Suffolk Dog Day, Roger watched the early development of Suffolk Community Foundation with interest and was one of the first people to commit to the Grassroots Endowment Challenge when Suffolk was offered match funding by the Cabinet Office to encourage local philanthropy.

“I have always been keen to support local causes, but I particularly like the relationship with the Foundation and the way they are able to ensure that our donations reach very specific areas of need.

For the past two years, the Skinner’s Fund has supported the Suffolk Disability Care Fund as it seems to me that the provision of specialist disability equipment can be life-changing for the individuals in need. I enjoy knowing that our grants are transformational, whilst building a lasting endowment that reflects the 300 years that my family has been living and working in Suffolk.”

These are some groups that have been funded by Skinner’s Fund’s grants panel: