Richard Foster (1822 - 23 December 1910) was a banker and philanthropist. Born in Stainforth, Yorkshire, he came to London to work in the bank established by his uncles, Foster Brothers, Moorgate Street, in the City of London. In 1852 he became senior partner in the renamed firm of Knowles and Foster. He was also a director of the London and River Plate Bank, the South Metropolitan Gas Company and the London Labourers' Dwellings Association. Foster was a committed member of the Church of England, and purchased sites for the construction of new churches in east and south east London.