THE SOCIETY OF MERCHANT VENTURERS ALMSHOUSES CHARITY
TO PROVIDE ALMSHOUSES FOR THE POOR PERSONS OF GOOD CHARACTER WHO (EXCEPT IN SPECIAL CASES TO BE APPROVED BY THE CHARITY COMMISSION) ARE INHABITANTS OF THE CITY OF BRISTOL. IN SELECTING RESIDENTS FOR MERCHANT VENTURERS' ALMSHOUSES PREFERENCE SHALL BE GIVEN TO MARINERS AND THEIR DEPENDANTS. IN SELECTING RESIDENTS FOR COLSTON'S ALMSHOUSE PREFERENCE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.
Financial health, per its FY2024 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a total comprehensive income surplus of £123,466 for the year ended 31 December 2024, driven by investment gains despite an operating deficit. The trustees confirm that free reserves significantly exceed the stated policy target of two years' expenditure, ensuring the charity can meet liabilities as they fall due.
What the accounts disclose
“Investment income 101,462” — page 18
“The Trustee aims as far as possible to maintain two years of resources expended in the revenue reserve.” — page 7
“The Society of Merchant Venturers’ Almshouses Charity incurred a charge of £10,107 (2023: £9,710) for the services of the Almshouse Manager and the maintenance officer during the year. At 31 December 2024 £2,527 (2023: £nil) was owed by The Society of Merchant Venturers’ Almshouse Charity to The Cote Charity relating to these services.” — page 23
“At 31 December 2024 the charity was owed £22,979 by MVCIP (2023: £29,105).”
“The Society of Merchant Venturers’ Almshouses Charity incurred a charge of £10,107 (2023: £9,710) for the services of the Almshouse Manager and the maintenance officer during the year. At 31 December 2024 £2,527 (2023: £nil) was owed by The Society of Merchant Venturers’ Almshouse Charity to The Cote Charity relating to these services.” — page 23
“At 31 December 2024 the charity was owed £22,979 by MVCIP (2023: £29,105).”
“The Society of Merchant Venturers’ Almshouses Charity incurred a charge of £10,107 (2023: £9,710) for the services of the Almshouse Manager and the maintenance officer during the year. At 31 December 2024 £2,527 (2023: £nil) was owed by The Society of Merchant Venturers’ Almshouse Charity to The Cote Charity relating to these services.” — page 23
“At 31 December 2024 the charity was owed £22,979 by MVCIP (2023: £29,105).”
Trustees
- SMV COMPANY TRUSTEE LIMITED
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2025 | £294k | £131k |
| 31/12/2024 | £284k | £182k |
| 31/12/2023 | £287k | £127k |
| 31/12/2022 | £136k | £136k |
| 31/12/2021 | £136k | £112k |
Common questions
Is THE SOCIETY OF MERCHANT VENTURERS ALMSHOUSES CHARITY financially healthy?
Per its FY2024 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a total comprehensive income surplus of £123,466 for the year ended 31 December 2024, driven by investment gains despite an operating deficit. The trustees confirm that free reserves significantly exceed the stated policy target of two years' expenditure, ensuring the charity can meet liabilities as they fall due. Its FY2024 accounts were audited by Bishop Fleming LLP.