The Foundation makes grants to the British Film Institute National Film Archive to fund the restoration of films directed by Sir David Lean. Currently “Oliver Twist” and “In Which We Serve” are being restored.

The Foundation makes grants to assist in the funding of lectures which come within its aims. These include sponsoring an annual lecture arranged by British Academy of Film and Television Arts and lectures arranged by the School at the Royal Academy of Arts.

The Foundation makes grants to sponsor students attending courses involving film principally at the National Film and Television School (Sir David Lean worked as an editor for a short period at its premises at the Old Beaconsfield Studios) and Royal Holloway University of London. The Foundation also makes grants to sponsor a fellowship at the National Film and Television School.

The Foundation makes grants to provide scholarships for exceptional pupils attending Leighton Park School (the school attended by Sir David Lean).

The Foundation makes grants to other charities having similar objectives, for example to British Academy of Film and Television Arts to improve its facilities and operation.

The Foundation makes grants to assist in the research and publication of literary works involving film in particular where there is a David Lean connection.

More details of its activities for the year ending 31 December 2009 are contained in the consolidated accounts as filed with The Charity Commission