Defend
The charity advances environmental protection and animal welfare by preventing poaching and promoting law enforcement in national parks in Africa.
Financial health, per its FY2024 accounts
The accounts state that the charity faced substantial financial uncertainty in 2024, resulting in a deficit on unrestricted funds of £106,214 and negative free reserves of £116,735. The trustees noted that institutional funding was deficient and public fundraising stagnated, forcing reliance on bank reserves. However, they confirmed that additional funding was secured post-year-end, providing a reasonable expectation of adequate resources to continue operations.
What the accounts disclose
“Free reserves as at 31 December 2024 were £(116,735) (2023: £74,338) which is below this target based on expected expenditure”
“During the year, one of the Trustees, M Hiley (trading as National Park Security & Management (NPSM), Zimbabwe), invoiced / was due £58,800 (2023: £52,800) for consultancy and advisory services. At the Balance Sheet date £96,000 (2023: £46,800) was outstanding and included in creditors.” — page 23
“During the year one of the Trustees, Dr N McCann invoiced £60,000 (2023: £55,000) for consultancy and advisory services. At the Balance Sheet date £5,000 (2023: £5,000) was outstanding and included in creditors.” — page 23
“During the year, one of the Trustees, M Hiley (trading as National Park Security & Management (NPSM), Zimbabwe), invoiced / was due £58,800 (2023: £52,800) for consultancy and advisory services. At the Balance Sheet date £96,000 (2023: £46,800) was outstanding and included in creditors.” — page 23
“During the year one of the Trustees, Dr N McCann invoiced £60,000 (2023: £55,000) for consultancy and advisory services. At the Balance Sheet date £5,000 (2023: £5,000) was outstanding and included in creditors.” — page 23
“During the year, one of the Trustees, M Hiley (trading as National Park Security & Management (NPSM), Zimbabwe), invoiced / was due £58,800 (2023: £52,800) for consultancy and advisory services. At the Balance Sheet date £96,000 (2023: £46,800) was outstanding and included in creditors.” — page 23
“During the year one of the Trustees, Dr N McCann invoiced £60,000 (2023: £55,000) for consultancy and advisory services. At the Balance Sheet date £5,000 (2023: £5,000) was outstanding and included in creditors.” — page 23
“Defend also took the formal step towards potential expansion by registering the in-country entity, Defend, LDA.” — page 5
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/12/2024)
Trustees
- MARK HILEYchair
- JAMES LORENZ
- KAMRAN MAHDAVI
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2024 | £515k | £722k |
| 31/12/2023 | £645k | £553k |
| 31/12/2022 | £340k | £420k |
| 31/12/2021 | £423k | £291k |
| 31/12/2020 | £172k | £236k |
Common questions
Is Defend financially healthy?
Per its FY2024 accounts: The accounts state that the charity faced substantial financial uncertainty in 2024, resulting in a deficit on unrestricted funds of £106,214 and negative free reserves of £116,735. The trustees noted that institutional funding was deficient and public fundraising stagnated, forcing reliance on bank reserves. However, they confirmed that additional funding was secured post-year-end, providing a reasonable expectation of adequate resources to continue operations. Its FY2024 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds Defend?
Funders whose own accounts filings name Defend as a grant recipient include MATTHEW GOOD FOUNDATION.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATTHEW GOOD FOUNDATION | FY2023 | £10k | |
| MATTHEW GOOD FOUNDATION | FY2022 | £10k |