About the Foundation
who we are
The Stone Family Foundation was established by John Stone, a venture philanthropist, in 2005 as a UK charitable trust. Since then, we’ve focused on funding bold ideas and strong leaders — backing both market-based solutions for safe water internationally and charities supporting young people in the UK.
Since the Foundation was established it has provided funds of over £100 million in grants, loans and equity investments.
Our story
Creating impact
From an exploratory pilot portfolio to a focused dual strategy, our journey has been about learning, adapting and finding how we can create the most impact.
Our strategy
We take a dual approach: venture philanthropy internationally and traditional grant giving in the UK. Both are united by a commitment to evidence, trust and long-term partnerships.
What we stand for
Our values guide how we work. We focus on scalable initiatives. We are prepared to take risk. We learn from failures and successes and are constantly open to new ideas.
Our team
The Foundation is guided by its trustees and supported by a dedicated team in the UK and internationally, alongside expert advisers.
John receiving his award of the OBE from King Charles III.
Entrepreneur: For services to philanthropy.
Case studies
Our case studies show how strategies work on the ground both in the UK and Internationally
Water to the Home
Professional services for rural water service providers
Established in 2019, Rural Water Management Solutions is a Kenyan social enterprise committed to transforming water access in Kenya’s rural and peri-urban areas.
UK Grant Giving
Babyzone
Babyzone provides free, accessible, evidence-based development classes for parents and young children.
Water to the Home
Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar for water service providers
We are partnering with Epicenter to understand what incentives are needed to bring PAYG solar, non-revenue water and digitalisation projects to WSPs.