Our story

Our founder’s story: from passion to purpose

Our Founder and Chairman Michael Shanly’s journey into property development—and then philanthropy—began with a natural instinct to fix, build, improve and endure. Growing up in North-West London, he cycled past a derelict house at the age of 13, imagining how he might restore it. This early vision of spotting potential and rebuilding became the foundation for his career.

Though Michael struggled with reading and writing in school, he thrived outside the classroom, where his hands-on curiosity flourished. He spent his free time repairing bikes and refurbishing cars, finding satisfaction in solving problems and making things work again. These formative experiences shaped his skills and instilled a philosophy: every obstacle can be overcome with effort.

This mindset has driven his career and now fuels the work of Shanly Foundation, a philanthropic effort dedicated to strengthening communities through initiatives that support vulnerable populations, empower youth through education, and foster community development.

Michael started his property business in 1969 and by the mid-1980s, Shanly Homes and Sorbon Estates had become sizeable operations. As his business grew, and in part due to his own humble beginnings, Michael felt a strong sense of responsibility to give back to the communities where he worked.

After years of ad hoc donations, Shanly Foundation was founded in 1994, with a board of trustees to formalize the process of grant giving. The Foundation’s approach, rooted in practicality, reflected Michael’s business philosophy: identifying problems, solving them, and ensuring that the solutions endure. Each month, Michael and his trustees review applications for donations and select charities and organisations where they can make the most impact.

In 2013, Shanly Foundation fully funded the launch of Beech Lodge School, an initiative set up by Daniela Shanly, Emma Barklem, and Lucy Barnes. The school provided an alternative approach to learning for children whose needs were not being met in mainstream schools. This unique and transformational school thrived, and in 2017, the Foundation funded a new home for the school in Maidenhead, featuring state-of-the-art facilities in a tranquil environment.

Shanly Foundation’s work also addresses homelessness. Rather than focusing solely on temporary shelters, it invested in solutions aimed at rebuilding lives. This approach extends to career development, particularly in the building industry. By funding initiatives to train and support workers, the Foundation tackles two problems at once: filling gaps in the workforce and providing opportunities for individuals at risk of being left behind.

In 2019, Shanly Homes and Sorbon Estates celebrated 50 years in property. By this time, Shanly Foundation had contributed over £23 million to worthwhile causes in Southeast England and beyond. The Foundation’s success lies in its ability to be locally embedded, ensuring its initiatives reflect the unique needs of the communities it serves. This hyperlocal approach is exemplified by the Foundation’s support of community events, which foster connection and provide meaningful experiences for local people.

A new Shanly Foundation logo was launched in 2023, symbolizing the Foundation’s humble beginnings. The logo incorporates the form of a bricklaying trowel, transforming into the shape of a flower, which signifies that from hard work, beauty, opportunity, and lives can be rebuilt.

By 2024, Michael Shanly finalised plans for the Shanly Foundation to fully own the trading businesses, Shanly Homes and Sorbon Estates, in the future. This will enable the Foundation to grow and give more back to those who need it most. Further projects will be sought, akin to the scale of the Foundation’s investment in Beech Lodge School, where education and opportunity can be driven on a larger scale for many years to come.

Michael Shanly’s approach to philanthropy is grounded in practical solutions and a commitment to local communities. His story raises an important question: how do the values we carry with us—whether learned through family, work, or circumstance—shape the ways we choose to give? For Michael, the answer is simple: by identifying tangible needs, acting locally, and prioritising long-term solutions, we can create real, lasting change.

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