Make a Donation

Thank you for considering making a donation to The Matthew of Bristol Trust. Looking after a ship like The Matthew is expensive, so we really appreciate your support!

The Matthew of Bristol is owned by The Matthew of Bristol Trust (registered charity: 1139058). The trustees and crew members who look after the ship are all volunteers.

The Trust does not receive any public funding towards the upkeep of The Matthew, so any profits generated from our public and private hire trips and all donations received from the general public are invested back into the running and maintenance of the ship and the development of our educational programme.


Donate online

If you'd like to make an online donation, please visit our fundraising pages on Just Giving or Give As You Live where you can make a one-off donation or a regular donation to The Matthew for the amount of your choice.

All money raised goes directly to maintaining the ship so that people can continue to visit it and learn all about the rich history of the original and the modern Matthew ships.

The Matthew sailing in Floating Harbour, Cumberland Basin

Photo credit: Ed Sargent


Donate in person

The Matthew is free to visit during opening hours when it's at our Princes Wharf mooring. Our volunteer crew members are always happy to chat and answer any questions you may have.

There is a collection box by the mast as you enter and leave the ship – or if you're not carrying cash, ask our volunteers about donating on your phone using our QR code.

All donations are very gratefully received.

Photo credit: gsiblue


Donate as you shop!

Support The Matthew for FREE by raising money from your everyday online shopping when you shop via Give As You Live.

Shop at over 5,500 top stores (including John Lewis & Partners, Expedia and Marks & Spencer) via Give as you Live Online and they'll turn a percentage of your spend into a free donation for us on your behalf.

How we use your donation

All money raised by The Matthew of Bristol Trust is used to maintain The Matthew so that people can continue to visit it, sail on it and learn about its rich history. We use the funds we raise to meet the objectives of The Matthew of Bristol Trust:

  1. To acquire, repair, fit out, maintain, enhance and preserve the replica medieval caravel known as The Matthew as a ship of historic interest and to place the vessel on display alongside a berth, quay, dock or wharf accessible to the public.

  2. To provide educational and training facilities on The Matthew while berthed or on voyages for persons of all ages and capabilities by the preservation, operation and charter of The Matthew as a seaworthy vessel.

  3. To advance education in: 

  • the local and national history and heritage associated with The Matthew, the explorer John Cabot and the exploration and settlement of the New World, including Newfoundland and Labrador

  • maritime history and archaeology

  • shipbuilding and nautical construction skills

  • seamanship, sailing skills and seafaring crafts.

  • Support Us

    Find out about all the ways you can support The Matthew and get involved.

  • The Charity

    Find out more about The Matthew of Bristol Trust and the people who run it.

  • Our History

    Learn more about the past, present and future of The Matthew of Bristol!