About the Trust

The Johnson & Mukherjee Brothers Charitable Trust exists to help primary and infant schools provide inspiring learning experiences that sit beyond the standard curriculum or existing funding.

Our Purpose

Our charitable aims, as set out in the Trust Deed and registered with the Charity Commission, include:

Advancing education

By providing or assisting in the provision of learning and teaching materials, equipment or resources for special projects.

Supporting wellbeing & enrichment

By funding facilities or activities that improve the social, creative or recreational experiences of children in primary schools.

In simple terms, the Trust helps schools deliver projects that make a lasting difference for pupils — especially where other funding sources are unavailable or insufficient.

The Trust primarily supports schools in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, reflecting the historic roots of the founding trustees and the communities they served.

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Founders Joan Johnson and the Mukherjee Brothers, pictured with John Bushell.

Our Founders

The Trust was established through the vision and generosity of Miss Joan Johnson and the Mukherjee Brothers — Sibu and Nisu. Their shared belief was that every child deserves access to inspiring educational opportunities, regardless of circumstance.

Joan Johnson

Joan co-founded the Johnson & Mukherjee Brothers Charitable Trust in Keyingham, near Hull, in 1990. Born in 1927 and the daughter of a Methodist Minister, Joan dedicated her life to helping young people reach their potential. She worked tirelessly to support schools across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, providing guidance, encouragement, and funding to help enrich children’s education.

Joan passed away peacefully at Hull Royal Infirmary on 9th December 2011, aged 84.

Sibu Mukherjee

Sibu Mukherjee co-founded the Mukherjee Brothers Charitable Trust in Lincoln and the joint Trust in Hull.
Originally from India, Sibu trained as a science teacher before moving to the UK in the 1950s. His career included posts in medical physics at Christie Hospital in Manchester and in hospitals across Humberside and Lincolnshire.

In retirement, Sibu worked tirelessly to develop both Trusts alongside his brothers and Joan Johnson. His commitment to supporting children’s education and wellbeing continued until his death on 30th August 2009, aged 93.

Together, the founders’ compassion, vision, and generosity have left a legacy that continues to benefit hundreds of pupils across local schools today.

Continuing Their Legacy

Today, the Trust remains committed to honouring the founders’ wishes by providing financial support to projects that:

Encourage creativity and learning beyond the classroom

Enhance pupils’ social, emotional, and physical wellbeing

Provide opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be possible

We’re proud to continue the work Joan, Sibu, and Nisu began — helping schools deliver extraordinary experiences for children across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.