PH Holt Foundation

The PH Holt Foundation is named in honour of Philip Henry Holt, who with his brother Alfred, founded Ocean Steam Ship Company Ltd in 1865. In business, the brothers valued self-help, progress, and innovation, and from their wealth contributed much to education, culture, and civic life in Liverpool.

The origins of Ocean Steam Ship’s grant making began upon Philip’s death in 1914, with the creation of Holt Education Trust providing student bursaries, and later in 1955 with the formation of a charitable trust for local charities and good causes.

For over a century, our grants have helped improve the quality of life for thousands of people across Merseyside.