Bentley introduces The Bentley Foundation and its new direction

Bentley Motors announces The Bentley Foundation, expanding its philanthropy beyond the environment to include culture and education. Learn what changes.

Bentley Motors has announced the launch of The Bentley Foundation, a renewed philanthropic structure reflecting the company’s broader understanding of sustainability under its Beyond100+ strategy. Building on the work of the Bentley Environmental Foundation, the new entity significantly widens its scope beyond environmental action to include arts and culture, as well as global education.

Over the past two years, the Bentley Environmental Foundation supported numerous initiatives across multiple countries, working with international organisations and local partners. These projects focused on ecosystem restoration, the creation of green public spaces, and environmental regeneration, including programmes around Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe. The experience gained and the measurable outcomes achieved during this period now form the foundation for a more expansive philanthropic approach.

In its new form, The Bentley Foundation operates across three interconnected pillars: the environment, arts and culture, and education. This structure reflects Bentley’s view that a sustainable future cannot rely on technological progress alone. Creativity, literacy, cultural engagement and access to knowledge are positioned as essential components alongside environmental responsibility.

The Foundation’s first strategic partner is The Queen’s Reading Room, the literary charity founded by Her Majesty Queen Camilla. Announced during the UK’s National Year of Reading, the partnership centres on supporting scientific research into the impact of reading on wellbeing and social connection.

At the heart of the collaboration is a second neuroscience study led by Professor Sam Wass of the University of East London. The research builds on a 2024 study which found that just five minutes of reading could significantly reduce stress levels and improve concentration. The new phase focuses on shared reading experiences, examining how reading together in book clubs and groups influences mental health, stress reduction and social bonding.

The Bentley Foundation adopts a partnership-led model designed to deliver long-term, measurable impact. Bentley has emphasised that the Foundation extends the company’s responsibility beyond its operations, aiming to contribute to social resilience, cultural vitality and educational opportunity.

Further partnerships across all three pillars are expected to be announced in due course, signalling a gradual expansion of the Foundation’s activities and a long-term commitment aligned with the principles of Beyond100+.