Major anti-poverty charities merge

Over the last 100 years, City Parochial Foundation and Trust for London have funded many arts venues, polytechnics and campaigns. Funds were used, for example, to preserve Coram's Fields in Bloomsbury. Photograph: Alex Lentati/Rex Features Photograph: Alex Lentati/guardian.co.uk The Trust for London works to reduce poverty and inequality in the capital. London is the most divided region of the country in terms of income. This map shows the proportion of adults receiving out-of-work benefits. Source: London Poverty Profile (research published May 2009) Photograph: Public Domain Photograph: guardian.co.uk The Trust continues work tackling poverty that was started long ago. In the 1920s, The City Parochial Foundation funded the research of Sir William Beveridge, whose work formed the basis of the welfare state. Photograph: Public Domain Photograph: guardian.co.uk In the 1890s the Apothecaries' Company was unable to afford the upkeep of Chelsea Physic Garden. The Trust took on maintenance of the garden in 1899 and remained Trustee until 1983. Photograph: Ellen Rooney/Robert Harding Photograph: guardian.co.uk The Trust has provided funds to buy and maintain green areas - 'lungs for the metropolis'. Extending Hampstead Heath was one project. Photograph: Alamy Photograph: guardian.co.uk During the rise of the polytechnic movement, the Trust provided financial support for many educational institutions. Morley College was one place that received support. Photograph: Roberto Herrett/Alamy Photograph: Roberto Herrett/guardian.co.uk The University of Westminster (formerly Regent Street Polytechnic) was another educational institution that received backing. Photograph: Diana Bier/Alamy Photograph: Diana Bier/guardian.co.uk London Metropolitan University was helped by the Trust. Photograph: Mark Hamilton/Alamy Photograph: Mark Hamilton/guardian.co.uk The Working Men's College in Camden, north London, also benefitted from support. Photograph: Mike Booth /Alamy Photograph: Mike Booth /guardian.co.uk As well as supporting education in the capital, the Trust provided backing for the arts. The Trust agreed to provide an annual grant to cover maintenance costs for the Whitechapel Art Gallery. Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian Photograph: guardian.co.uk The Trust helped The Old Vic Theatre develop. Here, artistic director Kevin Spacey stands outside the theatre. Photograph: AP Photograph: guardian.co.uk Neil Jameson of Citizens UK leads a march to launch the Living Wage campaign. The City Parochial Foundation funded the campaign to the tune of £1m. Photograph: Christian Sinibaldi Photograph: guardian.co.uk Richard Winsor (The Swan), centre, in Swan Lake by Matthew Bourne at Sadler's Wells Theatre in Islington. The Trust funded the rebuilding of Sadler's Wells. Photograph: Tristram Kenton for the Guardian Photograph: guardian.co.uk