Funding Boost for Gloucester Cathedral’s Organ Project

Gloucester Cathedral has received a huge boost to its organ fundraising campaign with the announcement of a £1million donation.

A million-pound funding boost for Gloucester Cathedral’s organ project

The announcement marks the launch of the Julia Rausing Trust in memory of the late philanthropist Julia Rausing who died earlier this year.

Gloucester Cathedral is one of three organisations to benefit from the launch of this new fund with £1m donation to its In Tune organ and music campaign which aims to raise £3million by 2026 to renew its 17th century organ, fund an organ scholarship and revitalise and expand its school music programme to give greater access to more children.

To donate to the campaign, please click here.

Gloucester’s organ was constructed in 1666 by Thomas Harris and is the only complete 17th century cathedral organ case in the country and can boast association with such illustrious musicians over the centuries as Sir Herbert Brewer, John Stafford Smith and Ivor Novello.

The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester said,

“We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation in memory of Julia Rausing, whose legacy will echo through the magnificent sound of the new Cathedral organ.

“Music has long been a central part of Gloucester Cathedral’s mission and the restored organ will bring joy to our communities as we expand our musical outreach.

“This gift will be a strong reminder to us all of Julia’s passion and generosity. She will be fondly remembered as a significant philanthropic leader, whose legacy will be cherished for generations to come.”

Hans Rausing said:

“The Julia Rausing Trust is a fitting legacy to Julia’s philanthropic vision and has been established to support causes that were close to her heart.

“Julia’s love for the arts was self-evident. She enjoyed a highly successful career in the arts and subsequently brought her expertise to supporting Galleries and Museums that benefit millions every year.

“I hope that the Julia Rausing Trust will bring awareness to her generosity, demonstrate the important work philanthropy does, and support causes and organisations which are the backbone of our society.”

The new Julia Rausing Trust will see £100 million donated to UK charities and organisations in its first year.

Julia Rausing was one of Britain’s leading philanthropists, driving her philanthropy through the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust for ten years. In 2023, the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust granted more than £71 million, its largest year of donations.

The Julia Rausing Trust will be funding organisations and projects in three areas: Arts & Heritage; Health & Welfare; and Education, areas previously supported by her through her philanthropy with The Julia and Hans Rausing Trust.

The first wave of donations are led by £20 million of grants to charities within Arts and Heritage, including £10m to the Royal Opera House, £5 million to the National Gallery and £1 million to Gloucester Cathedral.