About the Trust
The Charlotte Aitken Trust is dedicated to the support of literature, writing and reading. It is funded by the estate of the celebrated literary agent Gillon Aitken (1938-2016) in the name of his only daughter Charlotte, who died in 2011 at the age of 27.
Our Aims
These are our founding principles established by our benefactor Gillon Aitken and all decisions made by the trustees on behalf of Gillon and Charlotte return to these goals
To advance the education of the public in the subject of literature
To promote the creative arts for the public benefit, especially literature, whether fiction, non-fiction drama or poetry
In support of these aims we have provided funding for book prizes; championed playwrights and theatres; made donations to support the infrastructure of artistic organisations and buildings of national importance; and championed schemes that promote creative writing in schools.
partnerships
We have forged partnerships with literary foundations, charities and award-giving bodies. Among our partners are the Arvon Foundation, First Story, the Forward Poetry Prize, The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award, The Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction and the Young Vic.