OCTOPUS COMMUNITY NETWORK
Octopus is a collaboration of community centres working together to develop and deliver innovative community-led health and well-being activities, informal and non-formal learning projects, growing and bio-diversity projects, skills and back to work programmes. In working together we achieve greater synergy avoiding unnecessary duplication, and maximum resource utilization.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity ended the year with a modest surplus, resulting in unrestricted reserves of £113,487. The Treasurer's report notes that these closing reserves are equivalent to just over four months of current operating costs, while the stated policy target is to maintain reserves covering 25% of yearly expenditure. The trustees confirmed there are no material uncertainties regarding the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
What the accounts disclose
“Our target is to maintain reserves covering 25% of yearly expenditure to ensure resilience against funding fluctuations, while monitoring any increases in costs.” — page 4
“As disclosed in the Trustees Report, the trustees/ directors of Octopus Community Network Limited are associated with other community centres/ charities which benefit from collaborating with Octopus Community Network Limited and therefore these community centres/ charities are considered related parties to Octopus Community Network Limited. Total grants paid to these UK network members was £34,370 (2024 - £83,995)” — page 26
Trustees
- Elaine Dawn Cindy Maffrettchair
- Adam Parr
- COLIN FESTUS ADAMS
- Eira Gibson
- Patrick Radcliffe
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £239k | £237k |
| 31/03/2024 | £263k | £323k |
| 31/03/2023 | £282k | £402k |
| 31/03/2022 | £436k | £408k |
| 31/03/2021 | £477k | £399k |
Common questions
Is OCTOPUS COMMUNITY NETWORK financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity ended the year with a modest surplus, resulting in unrestricted reserves of £113,487. The Treasurer's report notes that these closing reserves are equivalent to just over four months of current operating costs, while the stated policy target is to maintain reserves covering 25% of yearly expenditure. The trustees confirmed there are no material uncertainties regarding the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds OCTOPUS COMMUNITY NETWORK?
Funders whose own accounts filings name OCTOPUS COMMUNITY NETWORK as a grant recipient include CRIPPLEGATE FOUNDATION.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRIPPLEGATE FOUNDATION | FY2025 | £8k | Islington Giving Food Fund |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 16/02/2026 | £20k | Our Food Forest |
| Greater London Authority | 01/12/2020 | £29k | Grant to Octopus Community Network |
| City Bridge Foundation | 28/07/2020 | £186k | Grant to Octopus Community Network |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 07/07/2020 | £114k | Action for Local Food |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 24/10/2019 | £591k | Stay Well, Live Well |
| Greater London Authority | 31/01/2018 | £15k | Grant to Octopus Community Network |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 24/08/2016 | £365k | Urban Wild Places |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 25/11/2015 | £483k | Stay Well, Live Well |
| City Bridge Foundation | 13/02/2013 | £78k | Grant to Octopus Community Network |
| City Bridge Foundation | 25/03/2010 | £0 | Grant to Octopus Community Network |