THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
The Mass Observation Archive (MOA) specialises in material about everyday life in Britain. It contains papers generated by the original MO social research organisation (1937 to early 1950s), and newer material collected continuously since 1981 (Mass Observation Project). MOA is a charitable trust in the care of the University of Sussex. It is housed at The Keep.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The provided document is an annual report and activity summary for the Mass Observation Archive for the year ending 30 September 2025. It details research activities, engagement, and collections but does not contain financial statements, reserves figures, or income and expenditure data required to assess financial health.
What the accounts disclose
“The Archive is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (registered charity number: 1179673) in the care of the University of Sussex as part of the University’s Special Collections.” — page 2
“A collaborative PhD scholarship. Funded by the North-West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership with match-funding from Mass Observation, Kirsty is the non-academic supervisor.” — page 4
“The Archive is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (registered charity number: 1179673) in the care of the University of Sussex as part of the University’s Special Collections.” — page 2
“A collaborative PhD scholarship. Funded by the North-West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership with match-funding from Mass Observation, Kirsty is the non-academic supervisor.” — page 4
“The Archive is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (registered charity number: 1179673) in the care of the University of Sussex as part of the University’s Special Collections.” — page 2
“A collaborative PhD scholarship. Funded by the North-West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership with match-funding from Mass Observation, Kirsty is the non-academic supervisor.” — page 4
“The Archive is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (registered charity number: 1179673) in the care of the University of Sussex as part of the University’s Special Collections.” — page 2
“A collaborative PhD scholarship. Funded by the North-West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership with match-funding from Mass Observation, Kirsty is the non-academic supervisor.” — page 4
“The Archive is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (registered charity number: 1179673) in the care of the University of Sussex as part of the University’s Special Collections.” — page 2
“A collaborative PhD scholarship. Funded by the North-West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership with match-funding from Mass Observation, Kirsty is the non-academic supervisor.” — page 4
Register events
- Received assets from another charity (13/03/2019)
Trustees
- Dr Fiona Couragechair
- Dr Michelle Johansen
- Hester Barron Professor
- Jane Louise Harvell
- John Brewer
- Megan Sweeney
- Prof Ben Highmore
- Professor Lucy Noakes
- SIMON GARFIELD
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 30/09/2025 | £165k | £174k |
| 30/09/2024 | £207k | £153k |
| 30/09/2023 | £292k | £157k |
| 30/09/2022 | £215k | £124k |
| 30/09/2021 | £106k | £123k |
Common questions
Is THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The provided document is an annual report and activity summary for the Mass Observation Archive for the year ending 30 September 2025. It details research activities, engagement, and collections but does not contain financial statements, reserves figures, or income and expenditure data required to assess financial health.
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 17/05/2016 | £51k | "Beyond Boxes" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 22/04/2013 | £44k | "Mass Education" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 10/03/1997 | £141k | "Mass-Observation Archive, Sussex" |