OUR GIVING AREAS

PREVENTION AND RELIEF
OF HUMAN SUFFERING

To fund interventions directed towards reducing suffering caused by poverty and ill health whether in the UK or overseas. Such interventions must be of proven best-value or demonstrate the potential to become so.

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The proportion of funds allocated:

75%

ART IN THE
NORTH WEST

OF ENGLAND

To encourage and support the development of emerging artistic talent (working 

broadly in the field of visual arts)

especially within the North West of the UK.

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The proportion of funds allocated:

10%

CAUSES LOCAL TO BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE

To provide funding for well-designed, evidence-based interventions benefiting those living in the area of Blackburn, Lancashire.

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The proportion of funds allocated:

15%

The total value of all grants awarded annually is approximately £1,000,000. 

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We regret that due to an unprecedented number of current applications, no further grant requests for Prevention and Relief of Human Suffering are being accepted.  Further information will be posted following a review of application criteria in mid October 2021. 

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Annual Reports and further information held by the Charity Commission can be accessed here.

Brian Mercer Trust is a registered charity, Charity Commission No. 1076925.

Jane Clancy

Jane worked in management and administration for Marks and Spencer and the NHS before becoming a full time mother.  For the last 20 years she has worked in estate management.

Ann Clitheroe

Ann’s varied experience includes being PA to Brian Mercer at Netlon/Tensar, running her own businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors and being treasurer for a local charity

Roger Duckworth

(Chair)

Former Chief Executive of Netlon Ltd and Tensar International Ltd, Roger has extensive experience in trustee and non-executive roles in the charitable and public sectors

John Merrill

John is a psychiatrist whose work included  clinical, academic and research roles.  Latterly he changed tack, gaining an MA from Manchester School  of Art