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← The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust

2025-06-30-accounts

Company Number: 4689391 Charity Number: 1096423

The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust The Beacon Collaborative

Annual report and financial statements

For the period ended 30th June 2025

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust

Reference and administrative details

Trustees Catherine Isabelle Grum Alison Gowman CBE Catherine Dovey CBE Richard Meredith Oliver Hauser Baroness Usha Prashar CBE Leonie Pascale Taylor Company number 4689391 Charity number 1096423 Registered Office Whittenhays, Bampton, TIVERTON, Devon EX16 9DR Principal place of business Whittenhays, Bampton, TIVERTON, DEVON EX16 9DR

Bankers CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ

Independent Examiner

Nicholas Lawrence 61 Benskin Road Watford WD18 0HN

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust

period to 30 June 2025

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006 are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the period to 30 June 2025.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 019).

Structure, Governance and Management

Legal status

The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. The company was registered in England and Wales on the 6[th] March 2003 and gained charitable status on the 7[th] March 2003.

Governing Document

The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Trustees

The directors of the charitable company are also its trustees for the purpose of charity law. Throughout this report they are collectively referred to as the trustees.

On 16[th] September 2018 the previous sole member of the company, UK Community Foundations, resigned its membership and the directors of the company also became the members of the company.

The following individuals served as trustees during the period and to the date of this report:

Matthew Bowcock CBE (retired April 2023) Catherine Isabelle Grum Chair Leonie Pascale Taylor (retired September 2024) Baroness Usha Prashar CBE (retired January 2024) Alison Gowman CBE (retired May 2025) Catherine Dovey CBE (appointed April 2023) Richard Meredith (appointed July 2023) Oliver Hauser (appointed May 2024)

All trustees served for the full year unless otherwise indicated above.

The Trustees meet approximately every 12 weeks to review the activities and direction of the charity.

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust

period to 30 June 2025

Merger with New Philanthropy Capital

Following the decision by the board at the end of last financial year to refocus the work of Beacon, we undertook a strategic consultation with sector partners and colleagues. The principal impact lies in its convening, supporting the wider sector to identify its priority requirements, to develop shared metrics and case studies, and to enable unified communication with government and wider stakeholders.

The trustees determined to continue several focused activities in line with these priorities:

In March, the trustees were approached by the trustees of New Philanthropy Capital with a proposal to merge, reflecting shared charitable interests and alignment of mission and activity.

Having taken legal advice on their powers to enter a merger arrangement with New Philanthropy Capital, having assessed that the particulars of the agreement to be in the and the charitable purposes of New Philanthropy Capital, and with due consideration to the Charity Commission guidance on decision-making to New Philanthropy Capital. These assets included the Beacon Philanthropy and Impact Forum, research into giving by high-net-worth individuals in the UK, and

New Philanthropy Capital agreed giving, in all its forms, and contribute to a joined-up philanthropy sector.

To this end, Cath Dovey ceased her executive responsibilities with Beacon and entered a new arrangement with New Philanthropy Capital to support its mission to increase the amount and effectiveness of philanthropic money and resources directed at social, environmental and economic challenges and opportunities, through convening and influencing, and through defining, driving and strengthening the philanthropy sector.

dissolve the legal entity, The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust, being a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital, in order to effect a financial transfer to New Philanthropy Capital. The trustees determined

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust

period to 30 June 2025

that the transfer of assets and financial reserves to be charitable purposes and the public interest.

The agreements were concluded on 8th May 2025. Therefore, at the conclusion of the financial period, The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust initiated dissolution, with the trustees taking all necessary steps to do so in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Commission and applicable law.

the closure of the entity.

The merger between Beacon and New Philanthropy Capital marks a positive step in the growth and maturing of the philanthropy and impact sector in the UK. The trustees launched the Beacon Collaborative programme of activities in 2018 as a time-limited effort with a clear goal to see philanthropy grow and to be recognised as a valuable contribution to society.

Our vision was for a more resilient, independent civil society supported by a strong philanthropy sector enabling more people to use their private assets for public good.

The trustees are confident that the integration of Beacon and New Philanthropy Capital will significantly contribute to that vision, amplifying the role of philanthropy as a critical component of the wider impact economy.

Highlights of the period

The decision to merge Beacon with New Philanthropy Capital reflected a period of significant change for the organisation, in the wider sector, and in the political environment following the General Election.

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust period to 30 June 2025

participants who took part in 60 separate roundtable discussions. Our speakers included:

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust period to 30 June 2025

Staff and board

We would like to extend our particular thanks this year to Catherine Grum, who stepped into the role of chair and guided the organisation through the merger with New Philanthropy Capital. We would also like to thank our trustees Alison Gowman CBE, Oliver Hauser and Richard Meredith, whose wisdom and experience ensured effective and efficient engagement with the trustees of New Philanthropy Capital and a positive outcome for both organisations.

operations manager, who worked with great care and compassion to ensure the closing chapter for the organisation was concluded smoothly.

During the period, we also said goodbye to Baroness Prashar and Leonie Taylor as trustees, and to Caroline Graham We are deeply grateful for their support and commitment to the organisation.

Final words

The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust has a long and proud history of promoting philanthropy in the UK. Originally launched as an awards programme in 2003, the organisation has always celebrated philanthropy in all its forms. Through its history it has united donors, sector organisations, funders and businesses who share a common belief that private capital has an important role to play in supporting public good.

We would like to thank all those who, over the years, have got behind that mission and supported the organisation in many different ways.

Since 2018, under the leadership of Matthew Bowcock and Cath Dovey, our goal has been to accelerate the growth of philanthropy by contributing to a stronger ecosystem supporting those who wish to give. The UK is a generous nation and our goal of seeing philanthropy and giving grow significantly has been realised.

Through our merger with New Philanthropy Capital, we are starting a new chapter in our mission: strengthening the sector through consolidation and ensuring that philanthropy, in all its forms, continues to be recognised as a vital part of our wider impact economy.

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under Section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust

period to 30 June 2025

ture

activities.

Financial review

The accounting period of the charity has been extended following the decision to merge with New Philanthropy Capital to allow time for the merger to be finalised. These financial statements have therefore been prepared to a 15-month period from 1[st] April 2024 to 30[th] June 2025. Comparative figures are for the year ended 31[st] March 2024.

In financial terms, the focus of this period was winding down Beacon s activities and putting Beacon s remaining funds to best use. Reflected in income falling by 85.3% from £527k to £77k and spend down by 59.4% from £526k to £213k. Unlike in previous years, our main funders during the period were not City Bridge Foundation and Arts Council England as Beacon did not seek any significant multi-project income. We did however receive £34k of project specific funding from Pears Foundation and DCMS and a further £38k was received towards core costs made up of fees for project work and £5k from the Golden Bottle Trust.

The l share of Beacon s £213k spend in the period was the distribution of £92.7k of remaining funds to New Philanthropy Capital to enable them to carry on Beacon s mission. £59.7k was spent on directly on the delivery of projects. The remaining £60.8k was spent on support costs with most of this spent on staff, accountancy services and legal advice, including support during the wind down period.

Reserves

The trustees review their reserves policy each year. The 2023/24 review decided that the committed running costs. Since this review the trustees have taken the decision to dissolve the charity following the merger of activities with New Philanthropy Capital and, as a result, the reserves policy would not apply for this final period.

During the period reserves, which are shown as unrestricted funds in the balance sheet, reduced from £135k to nil.

Statement of Trustees Responsibilities

The trustees (who are also the directors of The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust

period to 30 June 2025

Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Small company provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 4[th] December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Catherine Grum Catherine Griim

Chair of the Board of Trustees

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust Trustees’ report for the period to 30 June 2025

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the period ended 30 June 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. The accounts have been prepared on a basis other than going concern as the Trustees have resolved to merge with New Philanthropy Capital (charity number: 1091450) and as such are winding down the charity and transferring all assets to New Philanthropy Capital. I confirm that the alternative basis the accounts have been prepared on is appropriate and adequately disclosed in the accounting policies. I confirm that no other matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Nicholas Lawrence, ACA 61 Benskin Road Watford WD18 0HN

Date: 11/12/2025

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the Income and Expenditure Account) for the period to 30 June 2025

Note
Income
Grants & donations
2
Income from charitable activities
Investment income
Other income
Total income
Expenditure
Charitable activities
3
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
2025
£
9,284
32,950
244
800
43,278
179,189
179,189
(135,911)
135,911
-		 Restricted
Funds
2025
£
34,000
-
-
-
34,000
34,000
34,000
-
-
-		 Total
Funds
2025
£
43,284
32,950
244
800
77,278
213,189
213,189
(135,911)
135,911
-		 Total
Funds
2024
£
526,065
-
610
-
526,675
525,422
525,422
1,253
134,658
135,911

The notes on pages 12 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2025

2025 2024
Note £ £
Current assets
Debtors 6 221 -
Cash at bank and in hand 53,032 146,686
53,253 146,686
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 7 (53,253) (10,775)
Net current assets - 135,911
Net Assets - 135,911
Capital and reserves
Restricted funds - -
Unrestricted funds - 135,911
- 135,911

For the period ending 30 June 2025 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 4th December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Catherine Grum Chair of the Board of Trustees

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust Notes to the accounts for the period to 30 June 2025

1 Principal accounting policies

(c) Fund accounting

(i) Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

(ii) Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions imposed by the donor as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the accounts.

(d) Income

(ii) Grants receivable are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.

(iii) Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably; a corresponding amount is then recognised as expenditure in the same period.

(iv) The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts.

(e) Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred.

(ii) Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred on projects undertaken in pursuance of the charitable aims of the company.

(iii) Governance costs are those costs incurred in the management of the charity's assets, organisation and compliance functions.

(iv) Support costs are those costs incurred by the company in support of its main charitable activities and projects. Where costs cannot be directly attributed, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

(v) The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts.

(f) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing over £1,000 (including any incidental expenses of acquisition) are capitalized.

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust Notes to the accounts for the period to 30 June 2025

2 Grants

DCMS
Pears Foundation
ACE
CBT
Hazelhurst Trust
CAF
Propel Philanthropy
Big Give Match Funding
Ethos Foundation
Individual donations and grants below £10k
ritable activities
Staff costs
Direct costs of charitable projects
Support costs
Distribution of remaining reserves to NPC
port costs
Staff
Premises
Office running costs
Legal & professional
Marketing
Board costs
Independent Examiner's fee
Support costs have been allocated as follows;
Charitable activities (note 3)		 function
£
-
-
-
1,325
-
1,200
1,250
3,775
Governance		 General
support
£
39,410
-
965
15,237
1,413
-
-
57,025		 2025
£
14,000
20,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,284
43,284
2025
£
-
59,698
60,800
92,691
213,189
Total
2025
£
39,410
-
965
16,562
1,413
1,200
1,250
60,800
60,800
60,800		 2024
£
-
-
180,833
152,500
50,000
40,000
25,107
20,000
10,000
47,625
526,065
2024
£
138,198
248,193
139,031
-
525,422
Total
2024
£
93,380
12,073
4,481
23,883
2,564
1,200
1,450
139,031
139,031
139,031

3 Charitable activities

4 Support costs

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust Notes to the accounts for the period to 30 June 2025

5 Staff costs

Staff costs
2025 2024
£ £
Gross wages and salaries 29,139 140,416
Employer's national insurance - 10,507
Employer's pension contribution 1,272 7,637
Freelance & agency staff 9,000 73,018
39,410 231,578
The average number of employees during the period was 1 3
The number of staff whose annual emoluments (excluding employer pension costs) were in excess of £60,000 during the
period were as follows;
£70,001 - £80,000 - 1

The key management personnel of the charity are considered to be the Trustees. One Trustee received fee income from the charity during the period of £50,400 (2024 £60,000).

Staff costs have been analysed as:
Charitable activities (note 3)
Support Costs
6 Debtors:amounts falling due within one year
Gift aid debtor
7 Creditors:amounts falling due within one year
Trade and other creditors
Accruals		 2025
£
-
39,410
39,410
2025
£
221
221
2025
£
4,292
48,961
53,253		 2024
£
138,198
93,380
231,578
2024
£
-
-
2024
£
6,625
4,150
10,775

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust Notes to the accounts for the period to 30 June 2025

8 Movements in funds

==> picture [473 x 645] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Balance at Balance at
1-Apr-24 Income Spend Transfers 30-Jun-25
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted Funds
Pears Foundation - 20,000 (20,000) - -
DCMS - 14,000 (14,000) - -
- - -
34,000 (34,000)
Unrestricted funds
General funds 135,911 43,278 (179,189) - -
- -
135,911 43,278 (179,189)
Total funds 135,911 77,278 (213,189) - -
Fund Purpose
Pears Foundation Restricted funding from Pears Foundation enabled Beacon to leverage
commercial resources and maximise the value of the research to charities and
the impact sector into the amount of high-net-worth giving and donor
behaviours. The total project value is £140,000.
DCMS Restricted funding from DCMS enabled Beacon to develop sector
recommendations for a place-based philanthropy strategy led by government.
ACE Restricted funding received from the Arts Council England in support of a
range of projects carried out by the charity including its research work and the
building of an arts funders cause related network.
CBT Restricted funding received from the City Bridge Trust in support of a range of
projects carried out by the charity including its research work and the
development of KPIs to measure and track the extent of philanthropic giving in
the UK.
CAF Restricted funding received from CAF in support of projects involving
advocacy workshops and the forum network.
Balance at Balance at
1-Apr-23 Income Spend Transfers 31-Mar-24
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted Funds
ACE 29,877 17,500 (47,377) - -
CBT 38,580 145,000 (183,580) - -
CAF - 20,000 (20,000)
- -
68,457 182,500 (250,957)
Unrestricted funds
General funds 66,201 344,175 (274,465) - 135,911
-
66,201 344,175 (274,465) 135,911
Total funds 134,658 526,675 (525,422) - 135,911
----- End of picture text -----

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The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust Notes to the accounts for the period to 30 June 2025

9 Trustees' remuneration and expenses

One Trustee received fee income from the charity during the period of £50,400 (2024: £60,000). One trustee was reimbursed expenses of £3,067 (2024: £1,200)

10 Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions in the period.

11 Analysis of net assets between funds

Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets at 30 June 2025		 £
50,553
(50,553)
-
Unrestricted
Funds		 Restricted
funds
£
2,700
(2,700)
-		 Total funds
£
53,253
(53,253)
-

12 Corporation tax

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

13 Operating lease commitment

There were no commitments at the end of the financial period (2024: £nil).

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