Wooden Spoon The children5 charity of rugby ANNUAL REPORT 2026_- Changing lives through the power of rugby woodenspoon.org.uk This has been a landmark yeor for Wooden Spoon. For the first time in our history, we donated £2 million to projects supporting children ond young people with disobilities or facing disadvantage.~ I-l CONTENTS KiltwaiK FINISH CEO'S Report Chairfs Report Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2026 Who we are The Challenges we Face Our Impact Our Reach io li Fundralsing in Nunlbers Our Corporate & Rugby Supporters Looking Fotwords/Looking Backwards Income Generatlon 12 13 14 Supporting Beneficiarie5 Engaging Communitie5 Governance and Operations Children and Young People Supported Giving Children the Chance to Play Giving Children the Chance to Learn Giving Children the Chance to Thrive Giving Children the Ch(mce to Be Safe 16 17 18 19 20 22 24 26 Our Finances 29 Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities 34 Independent Auditor's Report to the Trustees of Wooden Spoon Society Statement of Financial Activities 36 39 Charity Balance Sheet Statement of Cash FLOWS 41 Principle Accounting Policies 42 Notes to the Financial Statements Thank You 54 TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 CEO'S REPORT We are two years into our five year strategy and l am immensely proud of what we have achieved together as a charity. Across a challenging national landscape, where rising demand, shrinking resources and declining Pltblic donations continue to put significant pressure on the charity sector, our community has shown extraordinary commitment and resilience. Thanks to that collective effort, we remain on a strong trajectory, achieving 35/0 income growth between 202V22 and 2025/26 and continuing to expand our reach and impact. This h35 been a landmark year for Wooden Spoon. For the first time in our history, we donated £2 million to projects Supporting chlldrÈn and young people with disabilitie5 or facing disadvantage. Through a more streamlined grant-making process. we have been able to shorten timescales and ensure that funds reach the children who need theTn tnoie qulckly. Our strateglc ambitlon to SUPPOrt the next million children is now ahead of targeL with delivery expected in year four rather than year fi've ol our strategy.. an achievement made p055ible only by the generosity, dedication and energy ol our sUPPOrters, volunteers and partners Alongside thi5, the launch of our naugural Natlonal Wooden Spoon Day was a proud milestone, galvanlsing our SLJPPOrters and strengthenlng our sense of shared purpose acTOSS the Wooden Spoon family. 66 Our strategic ambitlon to 5UPPOrt rhe nexi mlllion children is now ahead of target, with delivery expecied In yeor four rather than year hve of our strategy." Looking ahead, our locus Is clear. We will broaden and diversify our lundrai5ing offer, deepen engagement with corporate and major donors. and refi.ne our grant-maklng process to ensure funds are targeted at children affected by the most presslng cUr￿n1 issues. None ol this is possible without the passion ol our volunteers and the generosity of our supporter5. Oncè again, our partnership with The British & Irish Lions Trust has created valuable opportunities in helping LJS attract new corporate 5UPPOrters and providing the platfoir to achieve two Guinness Wortd Record5 lor the Longest Games of rugby ever played. We are at50 delighted to have welcomed Canterbury as our new offi'cial kit supplier, a partnership that brings both value and fresh engagement opportunities. Thank you lor being part of this lournev. Sarah Webb, CEO Wooden Spoon CHAIR'S REPORT It is with great pleasure that Wooden Spoon's annual report provides detail of its continuing success, growth and development. The most visible and signilicant achievement is passing the milestone of £2m being distributed to 150 projects in the Last year. Underpinning an ambitious fi've year coILaborative outlook. means that strategic plan, is an integrated structure Wooden Spoon'5 Outlook is broad addressing all aspects of Wooden and embracing- funded projects Spoon'5 operation with the culture are enduring investments in of a.one team" approach which links socieWs welfare. the Board ol Trustees, executives. staff, regional committees, volunteers and partners. Secure governance, accountability and transparency provide a safe environment in which everyone involved can engage with creativity, energy and fulftlled. meaningful, purpose. A shared comrnitment and Hope you enjoy the report and ptease vislt woodenspoon.or&uk for inforrnatlon on current activity. Quentin Smith, Retiring Chalr Wooden Spoon Every meaningfuL initiative begins with a simple idea - this charity was founded on exactly that beLief and it Is a privilege to be taking the chair's baton f rom Quentin to continue making a tangible difference in the Lives of the children and families who need it most. Our mi55ion is clear- to positively transforTn the live5 of children and young people through the power of rugby- and we are committed to doing so with integrity, transparency, and a deep sense ol responsibility. But more than that, we want to buitd a Community- one that listens, Learns, and acts with empathy. It will take collaboration, iesilience, and continued belief in what we are trying to achieve. But with your sUPPOrt, l am conffdent we can contlnue to turn intention into impact for children and young people. Ali GilberL Incoming Chair Wooden Spoon TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 WHO WE ARE Wooden Spoon is a grant-making charlty funding life-changing projects across the UK and IreLind. We exist to help the 1.2 million children living with a disability, the 30Yo of children growing up in poverty. and the 3 million children experiencing mental health issues to live their best live& Since 1983. with the support ol the rugby community, from grassroots clubs lo nati(>llal unions, we have awarded over £34 mllllon In grants, P051tively impacting more than 2 mlllion childrÈn and young people who are disadvantaged. disenlranchlsed, or living with additional need5. Our work Is shaped around four core theTnes'. Giving chiLdren the chance to.. Play, Learn. Thriv• and Be Safe. Across all four themes, we fund sensory rooms and garden $pe¢lallst medlcal and sports equlpmenL pLayground4 sport5 programmes. health and wellbelng Inltiatives and educatlon projects. By harnessing the power ol the rugby family, we inspire participation, iaise funds. and create inclusive opportunitie5 for young people. Working in partnership with local organisations and the rugby family, we create inclusive, sale environments, giving every chlld the chance to play. Learn, thrlve and be Sale. 66 By harnessing the power of the rugby family. we inspire participation, raise funds. and create inclusive opportunities for young people." Thechildren's charit)*lrugby 66 We fund inclusive playgrounds, sports foctlities- and progrommes.thaLena6i&children to be ' , active, eonfiderytQLad conRgct