Sheffield's long history of philanthropy continues today

The charity, established by WANdisco software tycoon David Richards and his wife Jane, follows a tradition that goes far beyond creating jobs.

Anti-slavery campaigner Mary Anne Rawson was born in 1801 at Green Lane. She was actively involved in the abolition movement at a national level, and continued to campaign for complete freedom after 1833, when slavery was formally abolished in the British Empire.

She also argued to create improved conditions for chimney sweep boys and better education for the poor. Her parents had set up a school and Sunday school in the grounds of their home at Wincobank Hall and Mary Anne formed a trust to ensure its survival.

Anne and Eliza Harrison were involved in what is now Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind. Following the death of Ann, Eliza remembered her sister’s particular interest in the blind. Eliza established a permanent benefit and a year later, in 1860, founded the blind institution with a small committee of women.

Steel magnate Mark Firth gave Firth Park to east end in 1875 and endowed Firth College which later became part of The University of Sheffield.

Sir Stuart Coldwell Goodwin, born in 1886, was head of the Neepsend Steel and Tool Corporation. One of the city’s biggest benefactors. It is estimated he gave away more than £500,000 – equivalent to around £8m today. There is a sports centre in Sheffield named after him, as was the Goodwin Fountain on Fargate.

William Edgar Allen was a steelmaker and engineer and from the late 19th century was based at Imperial Steel Works, Tinsley. Physiotherapy clinic, The Edgar Allen Institute, survives today as part of the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. He also provided £10,000 to establish a purpose-built library at the University of Sheffield.

George Herbert Lawrence made his name with the Laurel razor blade factory in Nursery Street. He put money into the community in Sheffield and Hathersage, where he has a blue plaque. He became director of Sheffield United, where he provided the ground with a roof, and is quoted as saying “I have made my money in Sheffield and Sheffield shall have the benefits of it.”

John George Graves (1866–1945) set up one of Britain's first mail order businesses which, at its peak, employed 3,000 in Sheffield.

He donated nearly £60,000 to the development of art galleries including the Central Library, the Graves Art Gallery and the Mappin Art Gallery. He donated more than £1 million to Sheffield, including the establishment of Sheffield University's Student Union, and made gifts of land including Graves Park, Ecclesall Woods, Tinsley playing fields, Concord Park and Blacka Moor. The J. G. Graves Charitable Trust, was established in 1930 and continues today.

Jeremy Grantham is a world-renowned investment manager who was brought up in Doncaster and graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Economics in 1961.

The Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment was founded by Jeremy and Hanne Grantham and co-funds The Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures at the University of Sheffield.

Today, it has some 157 academics and 68 PhD students.

Gerald Haythornthwaite, born in 1912, was the driving force behind the formation of the Peak District National Park and integral to preserving Sheffield’s green belt.

The financial legacy he left Friends of the Peak District enabled them to carry on his work.

Alongside his wife Ethel, Gerald saved areas such as Edale, Mam Tor, Blacka Moor and the Longshaw Estate.

Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates created the template for charities set up by successful business people in Silicon Valley such as David Richards.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is reported to be the world's largest private charity. It works to improve global health, and with Rotary International, aims to eliminate polio.

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