About
The Christopher Laing Foundation is a registered grant-making charitable trust, which was established on 9th July 1979 and, since then, has supported many charities and charitable projects.
The Foundation has grown over the years and now awards grants of over £400,000 per annum.
The various Laing Family Charitable Trusts owe their origin to Sir John Laing (1879-1978), a devout Christian and founder of the international construction company that bears his name. The company was involved in many pioneering projects, both internationally and in the UK, including the construction of Coventry Cathedral. Sir John’s Christian faith was the motivation for the company’s pioneering concern for the welfare of its staff.
Today, the giving of the Laing Family reflects the values espoused by Sir John and seeks to build on Sir John’s example of Christian philanthropy.
The Trustees' priority areas of giving are focussed on the counties of Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire and cover:
Reconstruction of communities following the Covid-19 pandemic
Youth & Education
Homelessness
Disabilities
Environmental and conservation work
This Foundation was established by Christopher Maurice Laing OBE DL. Christopher retired from John Laing plc in 2002. He is Chairman of Eskmuir Properties Limited and was High Sheriff of Hertfordshire in 2001.
Christopher was chairman of the National Playing Fields Association from 1993 to 2000 and was a trustee of the Lord’s Taveners.
The other trustees of the foundation are:
Diana Laing
John Keeble
Michael Laing
Richard Haines
Carla Laing