THE FRIENDS OF DOLPHIN
We operate a powerful catamaran boat - safe and comfortable - in and around Poole Harbour, and up the River Frome to Wareham. We exist to provide boat trips - totally free - to disabled persons of all ages and disabilities, a maximum of 12 on each trip (including carers) due to regulations. From 1st May to 30th September, trips of 2-4 hours and 1 to 2 trips every day.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted reserves increased to £307,027, with £150,000 designated for a new boat and £157,027 undesignated. The trustees consider the level of reserves sufficient to ensure the future of the charity, noting a strong year of support and an overall surplus of £88,289.
What the accounts disclose
“There are reserves of £150,000 set aside for the estimated cost to purchase a new boat. The remaining reserves of £157,027 are undesignated and the trustees consider the level of reserves sufficient to ensure the future of the charity.” — page 4
Trustees
- ANTHONY ELGAR
- Andrew Preston
- Carol Helen Cox Chair
- Duncan Oliver Ovens
- Elizabeth Crew
- Howard Gordon Richings
- Martin Stanley
- NORMAN FRANK HOLLAMBY
- Philip John Edgar Cox
- ROBERT HENRY IRWIN
- William Emile Lauste
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 30/09/2025 | £112k | £24k |
| 30/09/2024 | £36k | £25k |
| 30/09/2023 | £21k | £19k |
| 30/09/2022 | £3k | £14k |
| 30/09/2021 | £20k | £16k |
Common questions
Is THE FRIENDS OF DOLPHIN financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that unrestricted reserves increased to £307,027, with £150,000 designated for a new boat and £157,027 undesignated. The trustees consider the level of reserves sufficient to ensure the future of the charity, noting a strong year of support and an overall surplus of £88,289. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds THE FRIENDS OF DOLPHIN?
Funders whose own accounts filings name THE FRIENDS OF DOLPHIN as a grant recipient include THE VALENTINE CHARITABLE TRUST, THE ALICE ELLEN COOPER-DEAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, TALBOT VILLAGE TRUST.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE VALENTINE CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2025 | £20k | |
| THE VALENTINE CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2024 | £10k | |
| THE ALICE ELLEN COOPER-DEAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION | FY2025 | £5k | |
| TALBOT VILLAGE TRUST | FY2024 | £5k |
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE SIR JAMES ROLL CHARITABLE TRUST | 3 | £9k |
| DUMBRECK CHARITY | 3 | £3k |
| CHK Foundation | 2 | £195k |
| THE BAND TRUST | 2 | £75k |
| BRUCE WAKE CHARITY | 2 | £75k |
| THE GEOFF & FIONA SQUIRE FOUNDATION | 2 | £34k |
| BOOST CHARITABLE TRUST | 2 | £22k |
| LORD BARNBY'S FOUNDATION | 2 | £18k |
Charities like this
- THE WHEELYBOAT TRUST
- THE ADVENTURE DOLPHIN (PANGBOURNE) CHARITY
- CanalAbility
- HAMBLE LIFEBOAT LIMITED
- PETT LEVEL INDEPENDENT RESCUE BOAT ASSN.
- The Disabled Sailors Association
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE FRIENDS OF DOLPHIN | £112k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| THE WHEELYBOAT TRUST | £209k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| THE ADVENTURE DOLPHIN (PANGBOURNE) CHARITY | £100k | — | 0 | unclear | — | noted |
| CanalAbility | £305k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| HAMBLE LIFEBOAT LIMITED | £126k | — | 0 | below | — | no doubt |
| PETT LEVEL INDEPENDENT RESCUE BOAT ASSN. | £159k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |