Our Story
From University to Royalty
Our story
In 1988 HRH The Princess Royal challenged staff, students and alumni of Cranfield University to use their skills to benefit the voluntary sector. As a result, Cranfield Trust was founded. Just a year later we became a registered charity and although we have adapted to changing needs and introduced new services over the years, our ethos has never faltered.
To this day we have the same passion and enthusiasm to build successful charities. Our large and extensive network of skilled volunteers provide valuable business advice, guidance and skills to thousands of charities across the UK every year. As Patron of the Trust, HRH The Princess Royal, continues to be an active supporter and advocate of our work.
About us
Cranfield Trust is a national charity and the UK's leading provider pro bono business support for the voluntary sector. For nearly 30 years we have been adding value to the lives of people across the country, by providing free business skills to help build successful charities.
Every year our network of over 1,000 highly skilled volunteers from the commercial sector share their knowledge and experience with charities by providing independent advice and support on everything from business planning, to charity governance, and financial management.
Over the years we have developed services to meet the growing needs of the voluntary sector. To complement our flagship Management consultancy service, we also offer tailored HR advice, mentoring and a series of topical masterclasses. We are able to deliver all of our valuable services for free, thanks to the generous support of volunteers, charitable trusts and foundations, individual givers, major donors, corporate supporters and legacies.