THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST
The Trust facilitates the faith practice of Roman Catholic members of the Army, their families and those other Service personnel who wish to associate. It enables Chaplains to provide the best pastoral care and resources, and to engage people more deeply with the moral component of their military responsibilities. It supports the pastoral ministry of the Bishop of the Forces to those same people.
Financial health, per its FY2026 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted funds increased to £4,285,892, driven by significant investment gains of £508,465, despite a net expenditure on charitable activities exceeding income. The trustees report that funds are adequate to fulfil the trust's obligations, and the independent examiner found no matters requiring attention regarding the accuracy of the accounts.
What the accounts disclose
“A grant was paid during the year to the Roman Catholic Bishopric of the Forces (GB) of £73,144 (2025: £83,475). The charities are connected by virtue of having some Trustees in common.” — page 15
Trustees
- CHRISTOPHER PAUL THORPEchair
- COLONEL DOMINIC CHARLES MORGAN OBE
- Maj Gen Seumas Kerr CBE
- PETER FIRTH
- Rev Philip Michael Smith
- Rev Stephen Sharkey
- Rt Rev Paul James Mason
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2026 | £192k | £197k |
| 31/03/2025 | £174k | £190k |
| 31/03/2024 | £169k | £162k |
| 31/03/2023 | £159k | £325k |
| 31/03/2022 | £150k | £111k |
Common questions
Is THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2026 accounts: The accounts state that unrestricted funds increased to £4,285,892, driven by significant investment gains of £508,465, despite a net expenditure on charitable activities exceeding income. The trustees report that funds are adequate to fulfil the trust's obligations, and the independent examiner found no matters requiring attention regarding the accuracy of the accounts. Its FY2026 accounts were independently examined.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF EPSOM | 1 | — |
| THE ROLAND CALLINGHAM FOUNDATION | 1 | £311k |
| THE JERUSALEM TRUST | 1 | £300k |
| THE ARCHBISHOPS' COUNCIL | 1 | £190k |
| THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST. JOHN'S, WALTON | 1 | £100k |
| THE MAURICE AND HILDA LAING CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £85k |
| CHARITY OF SIR RICHARD WHITTINGTON | 1 | £50k |
| R M SALES CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £50k |
Charities like this
- ROYAL AIR FORCE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH PURPOSES FUND
- THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
- GUARDS' CHAPEL TRUST
- LIVERPOOL ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESAN TRUST
- PLYMOUTH DIOCESAN TRUST
- THE ARMY DEPENDANTS' TRUST
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST | £192k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| ROYAL AIR FORCE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH PURPOSES FUND | £253k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB) | £222k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| GUARDS' CHAPEL TRUST | £398k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| LIVERPOOL ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESAN TRUST | £38.7m | — | — | below | — | no doubt |
| PLYMOUTH DIOCESAN TRUST | £7.6m | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |