THE SOCIETY OF ST COLUMBAN FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS
We are a Roman Catholic missionary society which supports Christian communities and works to spread the Christian message at home and abroad. We seek to relieve poverty, promote dialogue and reconciliation between different peoples, attend to the needs of vulnerable groups, counteract the causes and adverse effects of the climate crisis and promote and protect biodiversity.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted reserves stood at £23,498,054, significantly exceeding the stated policy target of £5,000,000. The charity reported a net movement in funds of £1,103,920 for the year, supported by strong investment returns and donations, while maintaining adequate resources for going concern.
What the accounts disclose
“The Trustees are committed to maintaining the Charity’s unrestricted reserves — the free reserves — ot a minimum level of £5,000,000.” — page 7
“During the year, contributions of £1,708,824 (2024 - £1,855,100) were made from unrestricted funds, At the year end, £101,783 (2024 - £1,910,023) was due to the American region.” — page 39
“During the year, gifts of £168,328 (2024 - £120,656) were disbursed from restricted funds. The amount due to the Central Administration in Hong Kong at the year end was £12,158 (2024 - £8,185).”
“During the year, contributions of £1,708,824 (2024 - £1,855,100) were made from unrestricted funds, At the year end, £101,783 (2024 - £1,910,023) was due to the American region.” — page 39
“During the year, gifts of £168,328 (2024 - £120,656) were disbursed from restricted funds. The amount due to the Central Administration in Hong Kong at the year end was £12,158 (2024 - £8,185).”
“During the year, contributions of £1,708,824 (2024 - £1,855,100) were made from unrestricted funds, At the year end, £101,783 (2024 - £1,910,023) was due to the American region.” — page 39
“During the year, gifts of £168,328 (2024 - £120,656) were disbursed from restricted funds. The amount due to the Central Administration in Hong Kong at the year end was £12,158 (2024 - £8,185).”
Leadership, per the charity’s website
- Fr. Andrei Paz — Society Leader
- Fr. Peter O’Neill — Society Vicar
- Young In Kim Gregorio — Second Councillor
- Salustino Villalobos Mondragon — Third Councillor
- Fr. John Boles — Columban Director in Britain
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/03/2026)
Register events
- Received assets from another charity (10/07/2023)
- Received assets from another charity (04/09/2019)
Trustees
- Rev John Boleschair
- REVEREND DENIS ALAN VINCENT CARTER SSC
- Rev Patrick Aloysius O'Beirne
- Rev Timothy James Mulroy
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2026 | £4.9m | £3.8m |
| 31/03/2025 | £4.4m | £3.3m |
| 31/03/2024 | £4.6m | £3.4m |
| 31/03/2023 | £3.1m | £1.6m |
| 31/03/2022 | £3.7m | £3.6m |
Common questions
Is THE SOCIETY OF ST COLUMBAN FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that unrestricted reserves stood at £23,498,054, significantly exceeding the stated policy target of £5,000,000. The charity reported a net movement in funds of £1,103,920 for the year, supported by strong investment returns and donations, while maintaining adequate resources for going concern. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Dains Audit Limited.
Who funds THE SOCIETY OF ST COLUMBAN FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS?
Funders whose own accounts filings name THE SOCIETY OF ST COLUMBAN FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS as a grant recipient include THE LITTLE WAY ASSOCIATION.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE LITTLE WAY ASSOCIATION | FY2024 | £10k |
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| BROTHERS OF THE SACRED HEART | 1 | £129k |
| ESHARELIFE FOUNDATION | 1 | £500 |
Charities like this
- CHARITY FOR ST JOSEPH'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY (BRITISH REGION)
- CHARITY FOR ST JOSEPH'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY (GENERALATE)
- ST COLUMBA'S OXFORD UNITED REFORMED CHARITY
- THE SOCIETY OF MARY (MARIST FATHERS) CIO
- ST COLUMBA'S COLLEGE AND PREPARATORY SCHOOL
- SOCIETY OF THE SACRED HEART CIO
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE SOCIETY OF ST COLUMBAN FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS | £4.9m | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| CHARITY FOR ST JOSEPH'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY (BRITISH REGION) | £2.2m | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| CHARITY FOR ST JOSEPH'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY (GENERALATE) | £3.3m | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| ST COLUMBA'S OXFORD UNITED REFORMED CHARITY | £206k | — | — | above | — | no doubt |
| THE SOCIETY OF MARY (MARIST FATHERS) CIO | £789k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| ST COLUMBA'S COLLEGE AND PREPARATORY SCHOOL | £16.9m | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |