BFI TRUST
Encourage the development of the arts of film, television and the moving image throughout the UK. To promote education about film, television and the moving image generally, and their impact on society. To establish, care for and develop collections reflecting the moving image history and heritage of the UK. In particular to support the work of the British Film Institute.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the Trust reported an operating deficit of £692,399 for the year ended 31 March 2025, resulting in a decrease in total unrestricted reserves to £56,809,672. Despite the deficit, the Trust maintains free reserves (net unrestricted current assets) of £3,967,672 and holds significant fixed assets valued at £52,842,000. The Trustees consider the actual performance satisfactory and confirm the Trust has adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future.
What the accounts disclose
“Investment income is primarily rental income and is accounted for in the period for which the rental is due.” — page 16
“It is the policy of the Trust to maintain a level of unrestricted funds as free reserves. These provide funds to contribute towards anticipated costs for the coming year, working capital requirements and to respond to project opportunities.” — page 7
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/03/2025)
Trustees
- IAIN THOMSON
- Patrick Noel Butler
- Robin Saunders
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £2.0m | £1.8m |
| 31/03/2024 | £2.1m | £1.7m |
| 31/03/2023 | £1.9m | £10.0m |
| 31/03/2022 | £1.8m | £1.9m |
| 31/03/2021 | £1.9m | £2.2m |
Common questions
Is BFI TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the Trust reported an operating deficit of £692,399 for the year ended 31 March 2025, resulting in a decrease in total unrestricted reserves to £56,809,672. Despite the deficit, the Trust maintains free reserves (net unrestricted current assets) of £3,967,672 and holds significant fixed assets valued at £52,842,000. The Trustees consider the actual performance satisfactory and confirm the Trust has adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Brebners.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| REUBEN FOUNDATION | 1 | £120k |
| THE DORFMAN FOUNDATION | 1 | £102k |
| THE DAVID LEAN FOUNDATION | 1 | £55k |
| UBS UK Donor-Advised Foundation | 1 | £53k |
| SCREENSKILLS LIMITED | 1 | £51k |
| Point North Community Foundation | 1 | £38k |
| THE FENTON ARTS TRUST | 1 | £8k |
| THE JOICEY TRUST | 1 | £2k |
Charities like this
- BERWICK FILM & MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL
- THE BRITISH ACADEMY OF FILM AND TELEVISION ARTS
- FILM LONDON
- LEARNING ON SCREEN - THE BRITISH UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES FILM AND VIDEO COUNCIL
- THE BRITISH FEDERATION OF FILM SOCIETIES
- TYNESIDE CINEMA
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BFI TRUST | £2.0m | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| BERWICK FILM & MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL | £339k | Under £60,000 | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| THE BRITISH ACADEMY OF FILM AND TELEVISION ARTS | £29.3m | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |
| FILM LONDON | £7.4m | £150,001 - £160,000 | — | within | — | no doubt |
| LEARNING ON SCREEN - THE BRITISH UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES FILM AND VIDEO COUNCIL | £1.3m | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |
| THE BRITISH FEDERATION OF FILM SOCIETIES | £279k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |