The 1990s saw a fast pace of change, with the charity sector playing an important role to support those most affected by the decade’s economic and social inequalities.

New ways of working contributed to this change– the emergence of the Internet and digital technologies meant that charities could reach wider audiences than ever before and use online platforms to raise funds. The introduction of Gift Aid in 1990 supported small charities with individual giving – and new initiatives such as the National Lottery in 1994 provided new income and sources of match-funding. By working online, grantmakers had greater access to information about their grantees and areas of interest – and SFCT adapted accordingly.

A new generation of Trusts began work in the 1990s, with the close involvement of family members: The Staples Trust, The JJ Charitable Trust, The Glass-House Trust, The Mark Leonard Trust, The Three Guineas Trust and The Indigo Trust. Additionally, Jerusalem Productions and Gatsby Technical Education Projects became charities of their own. The Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund and The Woodward Charitable Trust, established in the 1950s and 1980s respectively, joined the SFCT group.