Third Order, Society of Saint Francis
The European Province of the Third Order, through groups, organises activities and publications, which reflect aspects of Franciscan Spirituality. The Province also seeks to sponsor educational opportunities for individuals from deprived parts of the Order to enable lay or ordained individuals to increase their own Franciscan knowledge which may then be shared with their home communities.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted reserves of £279,983 significantly exceed the trustees' stated policy target of approximately £74,000 (six months of income). The charity reported a net expenditure of £17,959 for the year, funded by existing reserves and investment income, with no material uncertainties affecting its ability to continue as a going concern.
What the accounts disclose
“The policy is to keep as reserves an amount equal to six months of income (about £74,000).” — page 10
Trustees
- Andrew Michael Harris
- Anne Josephine Lindley
- Denise Hilary Fellows Easteal
- Elaine Jenkinson
- Julie Patricia Ann Barrett
- Rev ALAN RONALD WILLIAMS
- Rev Christopher John Wren
- Rev Sian Yates
- Robert Stephen Dimmick
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/05/2025 | £158k | £171k |
| 31/05/2024 | £128k | £145k |
| 31/05/2023 | £131k | £126k |
| 31/05/2022 | £191k | £88k |
| 31/05/2021 | £118k | £117k |
Common questions
Is Third Order, Society of Saint Francis financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that unrestricted reserves of £279,983 significantly exceed the trustees' stated policy target of approximately £74,000 (six months of income). The charity reported a net expenditure of £17,959 for the year, funded by existing reserves and investment income, with no material uncertainties affecting its ability to continue as a going concern. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE TOLKIEN TRUST | 1 | £75k |
| THE STREET FOUNDATION | 1 | £60k |
| BARNSBURY CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £5k |
| THE HOBSON CHARITY LIMITED | 1 | £5k |
| SOCIETY OF THE HOLY CHILD JESUS CIO | 1 | £4k |
| THE W A HANDLEY CHARITY TRUST | 1 | £3k |
Charities like this
- THE BROTHERS OF THE FIRST ORDER OF THE SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS
- SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS CENTRAL FUND
- THE ENGLISH PROVINCE OF THE ORDER OF PREACHERS
- THE CHARITY OF THE ORDER OF THE MARIST SISTERS PROVINCE OF ENGLAND
- THE COMMUNITY OF ST FRANCIS
- THE ORDER OF FRIARS MINOR CONVENTUAL
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third Order, Society of Saint Francis | £158k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| THE BROTHERS OF THE FIRST ORDER OF THE SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS | £1.3m | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS CENTRAL FUND | £155k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| THE ENGLISH PROVINCE OF THE ORDER OF PREACHERS | £7.6m | — | — | above | 11.8% | no doubt |
| THE CHARITY OF THE ORDER OF THE MARIST SISTERS PROVINCE OF ENGLAND | £2.4m | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| THE COMMUNITY OF ST FRANCIS | £252k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |