LIGHTYEAR FOUNDATION LTD
To advance education in science amongst schoolchildren and adults in the UK, including by:- breaking down barriers to help disabled children and young adults participate in STEM- organising events which promote an interest in science- investigating and using new technology to communicate scientific knowledge and understanding
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a net income of £41,800 for the year ended 31 December 2025, resulting in total unrestricted reserves of £190,248. These free reserves exceed the trustees' stated policy target of £82,092, which is equivalent to five months of core operating costs. The trustees confirmed there are no material uncertainties regarding the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
What the accounts disclose
“The Trustees have set a target level of free reserves equivalent to five months of core operating costs, which has been calculated at £82,092.” — page 13
Trustees
- Anthony Alan Dodd
- Chloe Askew
- Clive Gilbert
- Dr Josie Rawes
- George Oscar O'Brien
- Julie Eshleman
- Lisa Katherine Nicholas
- Lucy Jane Williams
- Mitchel Paxton Vidler
- Puneet Paul Thukral
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2025 | £239k | £198k |
| 31/12/2024 | £230k | £127k |
| 31/12/2023 | £159k | £72k |
| 31/12/2022 | £108k | £91k |
| 31/12/2021 | £105k | £83k |
Common questions
Is LIGHTYEAR FOUNDATION LTD financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a net income of £41,800 for the year ended 31 December 2025, resulting in total unrestricted reserves of £190,248. These free reserves exceed the trustees' stated policy target of £82,092, which is equivalent to five months of core operating costs. 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 LIGHTYEAR FOUNDATION LTD?
Funders whose own accounts filings name LIGHTYEAR FOUNDATION LTD as a grant recipient include THE SPECTRIS FOUNDATION, THE FUNDING NETWORK, THE OGDEN TRUST.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE SPECTRIS FOUNDATION | FY2023 | £195k | Unrestricted multi-year grant for Special Educational Needs and Disability in STEM. |
| THE SPECTRIS FOUNDATION | FY2024 | £195k | Break down barriers to learning for disabled and neurodivergent children in STEM education |
| THE FUNDING NETWORK | FY2024 | £17k | |
| THE FUNDING NETWORK | FY2023 | £17k | |
| THE FUNDING NETWORK | FY2022 | £15k | Flagship |
| THE OGDEN TRUST | FY2025 | £10k | Grants to institutions |
| THE OGDEN TRUST | FY2022 | £0 | Grants to institutions |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crowdfunder | 31/10/2022 | £5k | Local Action Fund |