THE DANSON FOUNDATION
Financial health, per its FY2024 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a net deficit of £505,083 for the year, resulting in total unrestricted funds of £2,651,055. This deficit arose because grant-making expenditure exceeded investment income due to economic uncertainties. The trustees maintain that the current reserve levels are sufficient to continue activities in the event of a significant drop in funding.
What the accounts disclose
“It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level capable of generating income equivalent to between three and six month’s normal grant making expenditure on the internship programme.” — page 3
“I have identified the following matter of concern. As reported in note 13 to the financial statements, the charity's trustees had previously advanced £2,900,000 to a Trustee in contravention to the Charity's governing document.”
“During the previous year, the charity advanced funds of £2,900,000 to Mike Danson, a trustee of the charity as part of it's investment strategy.” — page 14
“At the year end an amount of £43,385 (2023: £3,271) was owed to the trustees.” — page 14
“During the previous year, the charity advanced funds of £2,900,000 to Mike Danson, a trustee of the charity as part of it's investment strategy.” — page 14
“At the year end an amount of £43,385 (2023: £3,271) was owed to the trustees.” — page 14
“As reported in note 13 to the financial statements, the charity's trustees had previously advanced £2,900,000 to a Trustee in contravention to the Charity's governing document.” — page 6
Trustees
- MICHAEL THOMAS DANSONchair
- ELLA ROSE ELIZABETH DANSON
- HELEN MARGARET DANSON
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2024 | £141k | £646k |
| 31/12/2023 | £84k | £1.4m |
| 31/12/2022 | £56k | £1.1m |
| 31/12/2021 | £64k | £650k |
| 31/12/2020 | £139k | £1.0m |
Common questions
Is THE DANSON FOUNDATION financially healthy?
The accounts state that the charity reported a net deficit of £505,083 for the year, resulting in total unrestricted funds of £2,651,055. This deficit arose because grant-making expenditure exceeded investment income due to economic uncertainties. The trustees maintain that the current reserve levels are sufficient to continue activities in the event of a significant drop in funding. Its FY2024 accounts were independently examined.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE GRAND CHARITY | 1 | £6.6m |
| NORTHUMBERLAND MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION | 1 | £275k |
| Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons' Charity (LRFC) | 1 | £187k |
| THE WARWICKSHIRE MASONIC CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION LIMITED | 1 | £40k |
| UNSEEN (UK) | 1 | £30k |
| ATTEND | 1 | £10k |