ARTHUR MCDOUGALL FUND
To increase public knowledge/understanding of the operations of electoral democracy. Major focus on voting systems, elections, representative institutions. Encouraging research & information dissemination; 'REPRESENTATION Journal of Representative Democracy' quarterly (unattributed peer-reviewed); historic archives & other electoral studies collections; online resources; occasional seminar events.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a surplus of £38,944 for the year ended 31 December 2025, with unrestricted funds held at £386,158. The trustees confirm that financial stability and sustainability have been enhanced due to increased royalty income and cost controls, noting that the investment portfolio was not liquidated for the second consecutive year. Per the trustees' report, the financial position is considered satisfactory despite global economic uncertainties.
What the accounts disclose
“Income for the year ended 31 December 2025 from usual sources totalled £35,287 (2024: £34,216)” — page 7
“McDougall’s policy is to maintain operating reserves sufficient to cover the Trust’s commitments and projected normal operating expenses for at least one year” — page 8
Trustees
- DEREK MCAULEYchair
- Dr Christopher Alexander Prosser
- Dr Jay O'Connor
- Dr Maria Laura Sudulich
- Dr Sarah Birch
- HON PROFESSOR TOM WALSH
- John Edward Cartledge
- Michela Palese
- Nigel David Siederer
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2025 | £35k | £33k |
| 31/12/2024 | £34k | £45k |
| 31/12/2023 | £28k | £106k |
| 31/12/2022 | £40k | £63k |
| 31/12/2021 | £20k | £58k |
Common questions
Is ARTHUR MCDOUGALL FUND financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a surplus of £38,944 for the year ended 31 December 2025, with unrestricted funds held at £386,158. The trustees confirm that financial stability and sustainability have been enhanced due to increased royalty income and cost controls, noting that the investment portfolio was not liquidated for the second consecutive year. Per the trustees' report, the financial position is considered satisfactory despite global economic uncertainties. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.