THE DOREEN BIRD FOUNDATION
The objectives of the charity are:To advance the education of the public in the study of performing arts, dance, drama, singing, music and related subjectsTo promote the development of education in performing artsTo promote the development of facilities for the teaching and performance of performing arts, dance, drama, singing and related subjects
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the Group reported a net income surplus of £352,124 for the year ended 31 July 2025, with unrestricted funds increasing to £3,862,257. The Trustees confirmed that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, with no material uncertainties identified by the auditors regarding going concern.
What the accounts disclose
“They have determined that given the commitment to assist the Subsidiary, it should maximise the level of its unrestricted funds in order to provide this assistance in the future.” — page 6
“During the year rent of £300,000 (2024: £300,000) was paid by The College, in respect of properties owned by The Foundation which are occupied by The College for the purpose of its trade. This rent is eliminated on consolidation.” — page 44
“The College made a Gift Aid donation to The Foundation during the year of £67,547 (2024: £38,186) in respect of the amount of The College's taxable profit for the previous year. his amount is eliminated on consolidation.” — page 44
“During the year rent of £300,000 (2024: £300,000) was paid by The College, in respect of properties owned by The Foundation which are occupied by The College for the purpose of its trade. This rent is eliminated on consolidation.” — page 44
“The College made a Gift Aid donation to The Foundation during the year of £67,547 (2024: £38,186) in respect of the amount of The College's taxable profit for the previous year. his amount is eliminated on consolidation.” — page 44
“During the year rent of £300,000 (2024: £300,000) was paid by The College, in respect of properties owned by The Foundation which are occupied by The College for the purpose of its trade. This rent is eliminated on consolidation.” — page 44
“The College made a Gift Aid donation to The Foundation during the year of £67,547 (2024: £38,186) in respect of the amount of The College's taxable profit for the previous year. his amount is eliminated on consolidation.” — page 44
“The subsidiary company, The Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts Limited is referred to in this annual report and financial statements as "the College" and "the Subsidiary".” — page 4
Property (HM Land Registry)
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/07/2025)
Trustees
- Alasdair Evans
- Christopher David Costigan
- GEOFF PINE
- Lee Dean
- PROFESSOR PIPPA POPPY CATTERALL
- SALLY JOY ATKINS
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/07/2025 | £6.3m | £6.0m |
| 31/07/2024 | £6.1m | £6.0m |
| 31/07/2023 | £5.9m | £5.7m |
| 31/07/2022 | £5.5m | £5.1m |
| 31/07/2021 | £6.2m | £5.6m |
Common questions
Is THE DOREEN BIRD FOUNDATION financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the Group reported a net income surplus of £352,124 for the year ended 31 July 2025, with unrestricted funds increasing to £3,862,257. The Trustees confirmed that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, with no material uncertainties identified by the auditors regarding going concern. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Venthams.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE HAROLD HYAM WINGATE FOUNDATION | 2 | £13k |
| CHAPMAN CHARITABLE TRUST | 2 | £9k |
| THE MICHAEL BISHOP FOUNDATION | 1 | £1.1m |
| THE ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER FOUNDATION | 1 | £116k |
| THE FOYLE FOUNDATION | 1 | £100k |
| JOHN SWIRE 1989 CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £76k |
| The Portal Trust | 1 | £58k |
| TALBOT VILLAGE TRUST | 1 | £15k |
Charities like this
- DEAL MUSIC AND ARTS LIMITED
- SOUTH LONDON THEATRE CENTRE LIMITED
- THE TILLETT TRUST
- ACTIVATE PERFORMING ARTS
- Acosta Dance Foundation Ltd
- IN GOOD COMPANY LIMITED
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE DOREEN BIRD FOUNDATION | £6.3m | — | — | above | — | no doubt |
| DEAL MUSIC AND ARTS LIMITED | £242k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| SOUTH LONDON THEATRE CENTRE LIMITED | £183k | — | 0 | below | — | no doubt |
| THE TILLETT TRUST | £241k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| ACTIVATE PERFORMING ARTS | £642k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| Acosta Dance Foundation Ltd | £1.5m | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |