Making people's lives better The Equilibrium Foundation report September 2024 - August 2025 EQUILIBRIUM FOUNDATION
Contents Introduction Making people's lives better Breakdown of sectors How we made a difference Epic ende8vours Team charity days Community support team 10 A look ahead 12 Objectives. activities and structure 13 Reference and administration details 14 Statement of trustees, responsibilities 14 Receipts and payments accounts 16 Independent examiner's report on the accounts 17
Introduction from Sarah Warburton This year has been a truly remarkable one for The Equilibrium Foundation, defined by generosity, teamwork, and an extraordinary level of support from our clients and colleagues. Our Christmas Lunches raised a record £20,000, thanks to client donations and the Equilibrium Foundation. The Toy Appeal and The School Coat Charity benefited significantly from this milestone, highlighting the incredible generosity of our community. We continue to be inspired by the enthusiasm and creativity of our team members. From organising a team-led coffee morning in support of Macmillan. to rolling up their sleeves for team charity volunteer days in the community, their commitment has made a real difference. One of our client managers. Simon Lister and his childhood friend Jon Massey, even swam the English Channel in 12 hours and 1 minute which is truly inspiring. Every pound raised helps us support the causes and communities that matter most. None of this would be possible without the unwavering generosity of our clients, the passion of our team, and the shared belief that together. we can create meaningful change. Sarah Warburton Chair of the Equilibrium Foundation
Making people's lives better £150,923 raised for good causes this year £1,281,842 raised since 2010 73 charity days were taken by the team Donations made to over 57 charities 10x£500 Over 40/ of our team giving through Give As You Earn, securing us Diamond Status again! grants were given to local charities as part of our community support scheme
Breakdown of sectors 16% 21% 14% 23% Animal Community Mental health & wellbeing Education Poverty relief Healthcare & research Sports
How we made a difference This year, we were privileged to support 57 exceptional charities, each striving to bring about positive change in our community. Here's a snapshot of the difference we've made together.. Championing Youth Potential RISE UP is a youth employment charity built on lived experience, bold leadership, and a steadfast belief th8t every young person deserves the chance to achieve independence and success. Their work focuses on supporting 16-30-year-olds furthest from the labour market, including care leavers, those facing mental health challenges, and young people navigating multiple disadvantages. RISE up Roman Dibden, CEO of RISE UP, shared.. -This grant really means the world to us. It's not just the money- it's knowing that someone believes in what we're doing and wants to back us. With this support from Equilibrium, we'll be able to reach more young people and give them a proper shot at building something better for themselves. We're buzzing to get started." Unlocking Talent Since 2021, The Equilibrium Foundation has supported The Bursary Foundation, who help talented children from underrepresented backgrounds realise their potential. The Bursary Foundation .com Beginning with their inaugural group of just 20 students in 2018, we are delighted to support this inspiring initiative alongside other sponsors. We are proud of the part we've played in helping more pupils, who might otherwise miss out, gain admission to leading selective schools across Manchester, Salford, Trafford and, more recently, London, empowering them to thrive academically.
Caring for our elders Our commitment extends to Friends of the Elderly, where our collective generosity has helped reach older people living in difficult circumstances. These grants provide essential items and comfort when it's needed most, improving living standards, enhancing wellbeing, and reducing anxiety and isolation. For many, this support has been truly life-changing. Yvonne Shearing, Fundraising Manager. said= -The generosity of our supporters has enabled us to reach older people living in challenging circumstances, providing them with essentials and offering them comfort at a time when they needed it most. We know the grants we distribute are improving living standards, enhancing wellbeing and mental health and reducing anxiety and isolation. For many. this has been life changing. One recent grant recipient told us.. 'It feels like 811 is not lost. Friends of the Elderly Festive Giving Our client Christmas lunches raised crucial funds for The Toy Appeal and The Sch¢>tsl Coat Charity. with client donations matched by the Equilibrium Foundation. This year, we raised £20,000. The Toy Appeal provides toy sacks to underprivileged children in Manchester and Cheshire, ensuring no child misses out on the joy of Christmas. Beyond financial support. our team volunteered for a charity day, packing thousands of gifts for delivery a truly rewarding experience that brings hope and happiness to local families. Theschool Coal Charity works to alleviate child poverty by providing new school coats to those most in need. ensuring children are warm and cared for throughout the winter months. Together, these initiatives highlight the tangible impact of our collective efforts, showing how every contribution, from volunteering to fundraising, creates lasting change across our community. Iiiii .7 14 i
Epic endeavours supported byThe Equilibrium Foundation Braving thechannel One of our very own client managers, Simon Lister. and his childhood friend Jon Massey, took on the swim of a lifetime to cross the English Channel. Their journey personified true endurance and an unwavering resolve to never give up, even when faced with formidable challenges. Through grit, determination and teamwork, they achieved their ambitious goal and also shone a light on the importance of perseverance. Their efforts have not only inspired others but also raised an incredible £12,000 for Andy Man'$ Club, helping to support men's wellbeing in our community. IANDysw¢IVJl Stride by stride After running his first marathon at the age of 74 less than four years ago. esteemed client of Equilibrium, Peter Boulton, donned his trainers once again to run the 2025 TCS London Marathon to raise funds for a cause close to his heart. The Christie. Peter's preparation Was marked by unwavering determination and despite the many hurdles in the lead up to the big race day, he remained positive and steadfast in his mindset. Peter ranked 46th in the 75-79 age category and became a Guiness World Record holder as one of 56,640 finishers on the day. Peter's endeavours raised over £6,000.
Team charitydays At Equilibrium, our unwavering dedication to giving back lies at the very core of our ethos. We proudly underscore this commitment by granting every member of our team three paid dÈys each year to volunteer, enabling them to champion causes close to their hearts and create meaningful change for those in need. Whether team members chooseto support a charity they have a personal connection with or join one of the team volunteer days led by our passionate charity champions, every opportunTty is tailored to inspire real impact. This inclusive policy not only nurtures individual engagement and strengthens our community bonds. but also ensures that volunteering is truly accessible to all. By empowering our people to invest their lime, talents and enthusiasm, we foster a genuine sense of purpose and unity across the organisation. Moreover. Equilibrium amplifies the difference made by donating £100 for each employee who volunteers, reinforcing the positive outcome of their contributions. Over the past year, we organised 16 volunteer days supporting 10 distinct charities. In total. we dedicated an impressive 507 hours to voluntary service, dernonstrating the powerful ripple effect of collective action.
Community support scheme Our community $upport herne provides granlsof up to £500 10 charities based In ihe North West every slx month$. Here are this year'swlnners... Contact Active Hope Ltd Blackburn Blind Sports Little Green Sock Project Boaz Trust Elite Community Hub Toms Trust Her Place Charitable Trust Just Ice-Poynton Mcr Mens Health CIC Her Place Charitsble Trust -The money donated will go towards supporting families that access our community share hub, that provides school uniform and baby supplies. Our community share hub is expanding and we are always in need of donations." - Kate Blakemore.CEO Manchester Men's Health "This grant enables those that attend to have the chance to develop their creative writing skills, by coming together each week, with others at The Well Being Centre, Old Trafford, Manchester and learning from published writers. The workshops will be accessible to anyone, as the overall aim is to improve health and well being. Manypeople will benefit froffl this grant. Thank you so much.~ - Tonysheppard, Lead Prnclitioner 10
Elite Community Hub AUI" _ -we are incredibly grateful to the Equilibrlum Foundation for their generous support. Without organisations like them, we wouldn't be able to create the lasting impact we strive for. This grant will enable us to continue and expand our boxing initiatives, equipping our community with the skills and opportunities they need for 8 brighter future.~ - Kallumwallbank. Project Manager
A lookahead We look forward to commencing our partnership with The Centre for Social Justice Foundation ICSJ Foundation) because it embodies a shared Commitment to empowering grassroots organisations across the North West. The Equilibriurn Foundation's strategy of supporting small, community-rooted charities complements the CSJ Foundation's mission to tackle poverty at its source. Together, we amplify the voices and impact of local groups, ensuring that their real-world insights and achievements inform and influence national policymaking. This approach is especially significant in Greater Manchester and the wider North West, where our deep Ioc21 connections have demonstrated that small charities are not only able to address immediate community needs, but also drive broader social change. By backing these organisations, we help them deliver essential services, foster long-term opportunities. and ultimately contribute to nation81 reform from the ground up. 12
Objectives and activities The Equilibrium Foundation exists to make people's lives better by supporting charitable causes with a particular focus on the North West of England. We want to have the maximum possible impact, so we mostly support new and smaller charities (typically with incomes of less than £100,000 a yearl. Grants are normally between £2,000 and £10,000 and we sometimes offer support foi more than one year. We support a wide range of organisations with a particular emphasis on education and disability charities and on helping people experiencing all sorts of disadvantages to have better opportunities for learning and employrnent. In supporting the activities of our fundraisers and in making charitable donations, the trustees have been mindful of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit at our trustee meetings. The principal objective of the charity is to promote and assist, through the provision of grants and financial assistance, charitable activities and other charitable organisations which may be nominated by the staff and clients of Equilibrium Financial Planning LLP. The trustees have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. Structure and governance The governing document is a trust deed dated 8 June 2010. The charity is constituted a trust. Trustees who are employed by Equilibrium Financial Planning LLP 8re appointed or reappointed on a five-year basis. External trustees are appointed or reappointed every three years. charges or costs are paid by the charity as all these are borne by Equilibrium Financial Planning LLP. An in-house finance team oversee the finances for the trust and there is rninirnal risk of fraud. Professional insurance is in place to mitigate risks and provide indemnity cover for the trustees, public liability cover and legal expenses. All trustees give their time voluntarily and do not receive any remuneration or benefits. No Financial review Brief statement on the charity's policy reserves It is the charity's policy that any balance held by The Foundation in excess of £3,000 (surplus cash over and above any restricted donations or committed funds) is to be distributed. The trustees will ask the staff of Equilibrium Financial Planning LLP to suggest suitable charitable recipients. Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report Signature(s): Full name: Sarah Warburton Posltlon: Chair Date: 30 March 2026 13
Reference and administration details Charlty name: The Equilibrium Foundation 89iStorgd charity numbep. 1136933 Charity's principal address: Ascot House, Epsom Avenue, Handforth. Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 3DF Accountants: Azets, Ship Canal House, 98 King St, Manchester M2 4WU Auditors: Azets Audit Services, Fleet House, New Road. Lancaster LA11EZ Trustee name Off ice lif any) Dates acted if not for whole year Name of person lor body) entitled to appoint trustee lif any) A Evans D Jukes C Lawson B Rogers S Warburton Chair Statement of trustees, responsibilities We confirm that the following representations are made on the basis of enquiries of management and staff with relevant knowledge and experience and, where appropriate, of inspection of supporting documentation, sufficient to satisfy ouiselves that we can properly make each of the following representations to you. in connection with your examination of the charity's receipts and payments account (the 'account'l and a statement of assets and liabilities (the 'statement) as its annual statement of account for the year ended 31 August 2025. 1. We acknowledge, as trustees our collective responsibility under the Charities Act 2011 for presenting the account and staternent and confirm that we have approved the account and statement for the year ended 31 August 2025. We also acknowledge our responsibility for making accurate representations to you. All the accounting records have been made available to you for the purpose of your assignment 8nd 811 the transactions undertaken by the charity have been properly reflected and recorded in the accounting records. All other records 14
and related information, including minutes of all trustee and management meetings. have been made available to you. control, or those employed by the charity where the fraud could have a rnaterial effect on the financial statements. No allegations of such irregularities or breaches have come to our notice. 2. We confirm that the charity is entitled to prepare receipts and payments accounts and is eligible for an independent examination of its account and statement, and that there are no circumstances which we should draw to your attention which would invalidate this eligibility. We acknowledge that the work performed by you is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with International Standards on Auditing IU K and Ire18nd). 7. We are unaware of any breaches or possible breaches of statute, regulations, contracts, agreements or the charity's constitution which might result in the charity suffering significant penalties or other loss. No allegations of such irregularities or breaches have come to our notice. We confirm that the ch8rity has had no non-routine communication with Charity Commission during or since the period of which you are unaware. 3. All grants, donation and other incoming resources, the receipt of which is subject to specifie terms or conditions, have been 8. We have reviewed the affairs of the charity notified to you. There have been no breaches and confirm that no income is subject to of terms or conditions during the period in the income or capital gains tax. We have also application of such incoming resources. reviewed the VAT treatment in relation to contractual services provided by the charity and confirm that VAT has been correctly accounted for. 4. The charity has satisfactory title to all assets and there are no liens or encumbrances on the charity's assets except as disclosed to you. g. The account and statement have been prepared on the going concern basis as we believe that adequate cash and resources will be available to cover the charity's requirements for working capital and capital expenditure for at least the next twelve months. 5. Other than those disclosed, the charity has not entered into any transactions or has balances outstanding involving trustees. officers or other related parties, which require disclosure under the law. If relevant, appropriate disclosure has been made of the control of the charity. 10. There have been no events since the reporting date which necessitate revision of the figures included in the account and statement or inclusion of a note thereto. Should further material events occur, which may necessitate revision of the figures included in the financial statements or inclusion of a note thereto, we will advise you accordingly. 6. We acknowledge our responsibility for the design and implantation of internal controls to prevent and detect errors or fraud, and have disclosed to you the results of our assessment of the risk that the account and statement may be materially misstated as a result of fraud. We are unaware of any irregularities. including fraud and suspected fraud, involving management, employees or others who have significant roles in internal 15
Receipts and payments accounts Forthe perlod from 01109124 to 31108125 Receipts and payments accounts Unrestiicted funds Restiicted funds Endowment funds Total funds Last year to the nearest to the nearest to the nearest to the nearest to the nearest Al Receipts 72,938 77,918 150,856 192,855 A2 Asset and investment sales Total recelplg 72.938 77.918 150.856 192.855 A3 Payments 8,441 119,064 127,505 173,883 A4 Asset and investment purchases Total paymenls 8.441 I1964 12705 173.883 Net of reCeipts(payms) 64A97 23.351 18.972 A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds18St year end Cash fund#thi8 year end (75,728) 75,728 25,700 7,774 33,474 14,502 14A69 42,356 56,825 33A74 Statement of assets and liabilities atthe end ofthe period Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Categories Details ro the nearest £ to Ihe ne8resi É ro the nearest E Bl Cash funds Cash at bank 14,469 42,356 B2 Other monetary assets B3 Investment assets B4 Assets retained for the charity s own use B5 Liabilities Signed: Name: Debbie Jukes atv. 30 March 2026 16
Independent examiner's report Report to the Irustsesl members of On accountsfor the year ended Charity no (if any) Set out on page¥ The Equilibrium Foundation 31 August 2025 1136933 16 The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 14515)Ibl of the Charities Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. 8nd seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts preser)t 8 'true and f8ir' view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Basis of independent examiner s statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in. any material respect, the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met,. or 2. to which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Independent examlner s statement Slgned: Name: Susanna Cassey Dale: 21 May 2026 Relevant professional quallfloailon(s) or body: Chartered Accountant Address Azets Audit Services Fleet House, New Road, Lancaster LA11EZ
,fy> EQUILIBRIUM FOUNDATION R•gist•r•d charity num. 1136933 Haad Offleo Ascot House, Ep50m Avenue, Handforth. Wilmslow. Cheshire SK9 3DF Chesterofflce 19a Tellord Court, Chester Gates Business Park. Chester CHI 6LT 0161486 2250 askus@equilibrium.¢o.uk www.equilibrium.co.uk