NESTA
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that total group funds decreased by £4.3 million to £473.6 million, comprising £36.0 million in unrestricted reserves and £429.1 million in expendable endowment. Per the trustees' report, the charity relies on drawdowns from The Nesta Trust to fund operations, with £35.8 million transferred from the Trust during the year. The trustees confirm adequate resources for at least 12 months and identify no material uncertainties regarding going concern.
What the accounts disclose
“In accordance with the Trust Deed of The Nesta Trust, Nesta’s reserves policy is to provide sustainable funding to ad”
“Nesta Enterprises Limited was recharged £55,631 (2024: £45,075) by Nesta for funds spent on their behalf, and gift aided its profits of £53,454 (2024: £nil) to Nesta.” — page 89
“Behavioural Insights Limited received income from Nesta for staff secondments of £145,604 (2024: £475,907), and other fees totalling £487,169 (2024: £411,349), and paid Nesta £1,166,941 (2024: £613,999) for recharges and consultancy services.” — page 89
“Nesta Enterprises Limited was recharged £55,631 (2024: £45,075) by Nesta for funds spent on their behalf, and gift aided its profits of £53,454 (2024: £nil) to Nesta.” — page 89
“Behavioural Insights Limited received income from Nesta for staff secondments of £145,604 (2024: £475,907), and other fees totalling £487,169 (2024: £411,349), and paid Nesta £1,166,941 (2024: £613,999) for recharges and consultancy services.” — page 89
“Nesta Enterprises Limited was recharged £55,631 (2024: £45,075) by Nesta for funds spent on their behalf, and gift aided its profits of £53,454 (2024: £nil) to Nesta.” — page 89
“Behavioural Insights Limited received income from Nesta for staff secondments of £145,604 (2024: £475,907), and other fees totalling £487,169 (2024: £411,349), and paid Nesta £1,166,941 (2024: £613,999) for recharges and consultancy services.” — page 89
“Nesta Enterprises Limited was recharged £55,631 (2024: £45,075) by Nesta for funds spent on their behalf, and gift aided its profits of £53,454 (2024: £nil) to Nesta.” — page 89
“Behavioural Insights Limited received income from Nesta for staff secondments of £145,604 (2024: £475,907), and other fees totalling £487,169 (2024: £411,349), and paid Nesta £1,166,941 (2024: £613,999) for recharges and consultancy services.” — page 89
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/03/2025)
Trustees
- Catherine Mary Brien
- David Allan Noon
- Edward Richards
- Helena Vinnicombe
- Jane Alexandra Thompson
- Jeremy Bennett Biddle King
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £55.3m | £73.6m |
| 31/03/2024 | £52.4m | £65.7m |
| 31/03/2023 | £46.1m | £60.9m |
| 31/03/2022 | £21.6m | £41.6m |
| 31/03/2021 | £29.6m | £37.1m |
Common questions
Is NESTA financially healthy?
The accounts state that total group funds decreased by £4.3 million to £473.6 million, comprising £36.0 million in unrestricted reserves and £429.1 million in expendable endowment. Per the trustees' report, the charity relies on drawdowns from The Nesta Trust to fund operations, with £35.8 million transferred from the Trust during the year. The trustees confirm adequate resources for at least 12 months and identify no material uncertainties regarding going concern. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by RSM UK Audit LLP.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| Founders Pledge Ltd | 1 | £6.5m |
| QUADRATURE CLIMATE FOUNDATION | 1 | £1.9m |
| EFFECTIVE VENTURES FOUNDATION | 1 | £1.0m |
| EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOUNDATION | 1 | £55k |
| THE HEALTH FOUNDATION | 1 | £13k |
| THE MARK LEONARD TRUST | 1 | £8k |