THE BRITISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION
To promote the science of astronomy and all branches of astronomical research. To promote the association of observers, especially the possessors of small telescopes, for mutual help, and their organisation of work of astronomical observation, the circulation of current astronomical information, the encouragement of a popular interest in astronomy.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported an operational deficit of £137,040 for the year ended 31 March 2025, largely driven by increased staff, legal, and meeting costs. Despite this deficit and a decrease in investment value, the trustees confirm the charity has adequate resources to continue as a going concern, supported by unrestricted reserves of £1,475,172 and significant fixed assets.
What the accounts disclose
“The reserves policy of the charity is to retain a level of reserves which will provide an annual income sufficient to meet any operating deficit and which will also meet expenditure commitments for at least the thirty-six months following the approval of these financial statements” — page 8
Trustees
- Janice McCleanchair
- Dr Jeremy Shears
- Dr RICHARD MCKIM
- Graham Winstanley
- John Chuter
- Marlyn Smith
- Michael Frost
- William Tarver
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £143k | £145k |
| 31/03/2024 | £162k | £234k |
| 31/03/2023 | £133k | £141k |
| 31/03/2022 | £136k | £234k |
| 31/03/2021 | £142k | £246k |
Common questions
Is THE BRITISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported an operational deficit of £137,040 for the year ended 31 March 2025, largely driven by increased staff, legal, and meeting costs. Despite this deficit and a decrease in investment value, the trustees confirm the charity has adequate resources to continue as a going concern, supported by unrestricted reserves of £1,475,172 and significant fixed assets. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| GARFIELD WESTON FOUNDATION | 1 | £225k |
| THE FOYLE FOUNDATION | 1 | £100k |
| ROYAL COMMISSION FOR THE EXHIBITION OF 1851 | 1 | £86k |
| THE JAMES WEIR FOUNDATION | 1 | £20k |
| THE HORNERS CHARITY FUND | 1 | £10k |
| THE INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE OF DERMATOLOGICAL SOCIETIES | 1 | £5k |
Charities like this
- BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE
- THE BRITISH ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT
- THE ASTROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
- BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
- BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF DERMATOLOGISTS
- THE BRITISH INTERPLANETARY SOCIETY
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE BRITISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION | £143k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE | £6.4m | — | — | within | — | no doubt |
| THE BRITISH ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT | £1.0m | — | — | above | — | no doubt |
| THE ASTROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION | £121k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION | £308k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF DERMATOLOGISTS | £7.5m | £100,001 - £110,000 | 8 | above | — | no doubt |