The Granada Foundation was established in 1965 (initially known as the Northern Arts and Sciences Foundation until its name changed in 1972) to encourage the study and appreciation of the fine arts and sciences and to promote education, with a particular interest in activity in the North West of England.

It originated from a most generous donation from Cecil G Bernstein and Sidney L Bernstein (the founders of Granada Television). Since then, its has supported hundreds of arts and science organisations throughout the North West of England and has awarded over £6 million in grants, both large and small.

The Foundation is governed by four Trustees and an Advisory Council who meet three times a year at regular intervals (spring, summer and autumn) to consider applications. In brief, the Council looks for imaginative proposals from organisations (preferably with charitable status), which will in some way make the North West a richer and more attractive place in which to live and work.