The Bright Foundation
Arts education charity with two venues in Hastings: Barn Theatre and Museum: 48 seat children's theatre, toy museum, 24 acres of land; and Benbow Arts Space: youth filmmaking space & early cinema exhibition. Activities:- Schools and Groups - cultural education- Public events and theatre shows- Creative skills and employability programmes- Improving access for disadvantaged children
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity is not currently financially viable without the financial support of its related company, Cosprop Limited. The trustees have assessed that adequate resources continue to be available for the foreseeable future, supported by a commitment from John Bright Holdings for a minimum of 12 months. The charity holds unrestricted general funds of £5,577 and forecasts further surpluses for the coming years.
What the accounts disclose
“In the band £60,001 - £70,000 1” — page 26
“Donation - Cosprop 500,000” — page 22
“We have started the fund with a transfer of £15,000 this year. Our commitment is to grow the reserve through unspent contingency at the end of each year. The ongoing support of John Bright Holdings / Cosprop mitigate the need to establish the full reserve fund immediately.”
“The Trustees acknowledge that the Charity is not currently financially viable without the financial support of the related company, Cosprop Limited/ John Bright Holdings.” — page 19
“During the year, donations of £507,976 (2024: £300,000) were received from a company where a Trustee is a director. Purchases of £6,880 (2024: £809) were made to the company. Other gifts in kind, being goods donated for auction sale, amounting to £Nil (2024: £129,900) were also received from this company. At the balance sheet date, £Nil (2024: £1,941) was owed to the company, and £1,864 (2024: £1,132) was owed to the Charity. During the year, a cash payment was received from a Trustee amounting to £7,773 (2024: E£Nil) in relation to utility bills. At the balance sheet date £Nil (2024: £3,885) was owed to the Trustee, and ENil (2024: £Nil) was owed to the Charity. During the year, purchases of £Nil (2024: £8,070) were made to a proprietor, in which a Trustee is a director. At the balance sheet date £Nil (2024: ENil) was owed to this company. The Charity has a lease in place with a Trustee for use of land in which a peppercorn rent is paid.” — page 34
Property (HM Land Registry)
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/08/2025)
Trustees
- JOHN BRIGHTchair
- Abby-Lee Widger
- Christopher Garlick
- Dr Claire Smith
- Gaynor Margaret Nebel
- JOHN RICHARD HAYWARD
- Katherine Spicer
- LYNDA KAY FLETCHER
- SEAN WILLIAMS
- UNA NICHOLSON
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/08/2025 | £568k | £540k |
| 31/08/2024 | £790k | £534k |
| 31/08/2023 | £469k | £429k |
| 31/08/2022 | £469k | £412k |
| 31/10/2021 | £20k | £130k |
Common questions
Is The Bright Foundation financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity is not currently financially viable without the financial support of its related company, Cosprop Limited. The trustees have assessed that adequate resources continue to be available for the foreseeable future, supported by a commitment from John Bright Holdings for a minimum of 12 months. The charity holds unrestricted general funds of £5,577 and forecasts further surpluses for the coming years. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
What does the highest-paid employee of The Bright Foundation earn?
Per its FY2025 accounts, the highest-paid employee was in the £60,001 - £70,000 band.
Who funds The Bright Foundation?
Funders whose own accounts filings name The Bright Foundation as a grant recipient include THE THREE GUINEAS TRUST.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE THREE GUINEAS TRUST | FY2025 | £8k | Holiday activity schemes for autistic children and their siblings (Projects run in 2025) |