Douai Abbey Parishes Trust
THE ADVANCEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC RELIGION IN CHURCHES AND PARISHES INCORPORATED TO DOUAI ABBEY.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that free reserves amounted to £54,145, which the trustees consider prudent given current economic challenges. The charity reported a net reduction in funds of £134,514 for the year, driven by a net expenditure before investment losses of £113,674 and net losses on investments of £20,840. The trustees confirm there are no material uncertainties regarding the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
What the accounts disclose
“The main source of income for the charity is the weekly collection carried out in each parish. In the year to 31 August 2025 general collections accounted for 415,226 (46.2%) (2024– £381,747 45.6%) of the charity’s income” — page 8
“It is the trustees’ current policy to retain free reserves (i.e. those unrestricted funds not represented by tangible fixed assets, designated for specific purposes or otherwise committed) of between six months’ and two years’ expenditure on unrestricted funds.” — page 8
“During the year ended 31 August 2025, rent of £12,000 (2023– £12,000) for the use of St Mary’s Church was paid to Douai Abbey Trust from Douai Abbey Parishes Trust.” — page 32
“On 13 February 2020, the parish church of Our Lady and St Joseph’s, Alcester, signed a loan agreement with four other parishes within the charity and Douai Abbey Trust to fund the construction of a new church hall. The loan received from Douai Abbey Trust amounted to £20,000 (2024– £20,000). At the balance sheet date, £20,000 (2024– £20,000) remained outstanding.” — page 32
“During the year ended 31 August 2025, rent of £12,000 (2023– £12,000) for the use of St Mary’s Church was paid to Douai Abbey Trust from Douai Abbey Parishes Trust.” — page 32
“On 13 February 2020, the parish church of Our Lady and St Joseph’s, Alcester, signed a loan agreement with four other parishes within the charity and Douai Abbey Trust to fund the construction of a new church hall. The loan received from Douai Abbey Trust amounted to £20,000 (2024– £20,000). At the balance sheet date, £20,000 (2024– £20,000) remained outstanding.” — page 32
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/08/2025)
Trustees
- Rev Paul Clive Forsythe Gunter OSBchair
- Rev Andrew Scott Hugh Somerville Knapman OSB
- Rev Bernard Godric Timney OSB
- Rev Francis Gerard Hughes OSB
- Rev Mark Benedict Thompson OSB
- Rev Paul Austin Gurr OSB
- Rev Thomas John Oliver Holt OSB
- Rev Walter Geoffrey Scott OSB
- Stephen Jones
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/08/2025 | £900k | £1.0m |
| 31/08/2024 | £837k | £929k |
| 31/08/2023 | £836k | £812k |
| 31/08/2022 | £825k | £696k |
| 31/08/2021 | £676k | £624k |
Common questions
Is Douai Abbey Parishes Trust financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that free reserves amounted to £54,145, which the trustees consider prudent given current economic challenges. The charity reported a net reduction in funds of £134,514 for the year, driven by a net expenditure before investment losses of £113,674 and net losses on investments of £20,840. The trustees confirm there are no material uncertainties regarding the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Caldwell Penn Ltd.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| CATHOLIC TRUST FOR ENGLAND AND WALES | 3 | £340k |
| SISTERS OF THE CROSS AND PASSION CIO | 1 | — |
| THE VINEHILL TRUST | 1 | £4.7m |
| THE ALBERT GUBAY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION | 1 | £180k |
| THE KARLSSON JATIVA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION | 1 | £81k |
| CHARITY OF SIR RICHARD WHITTINGTON | 1 | £75k |
| HOLLYHOCK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION | 1 | £61k |
| SISTERS OF MERCY SUNDERLAND | 1 | £55k |
Charities like this
- MATER ECCLESIAE CIO
- ST MICHAEL'S ABBEY CHARITABLE TRUST
- LEEDS DIOCESAN TRUST
- DOWNSIDE ABBEY GENERAL TRUST
- SISTERS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CIO
- WESTMINSTER ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESAN TRUST AND OTHER TRUST FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE WESTMINSTER ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESAN TRUSTEE
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douai Abbey Parishes Trust | £900k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| MATER ECCLESIAE CIO | £354k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| ST MICHAEL'S ABBEY CHARITABLE TRUST | £1.6m | — | 0 | below | — | no doubt |
| LEEDS DIOCESAN TRUST | £13.3m | — | — | above | — | no doubt |
| DOWNSIDE ABBEY GENERAL TRUST | £1.3m | £60,001 - £70,000 | 1 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| SISTERS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CIO | £292k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |