MUSEUM OF CAMBRIDGE
Mission statement: The museum aims to interpret the history and way of life of the people of Cambridge and Cambridgeshire through its collections and other resources for the education and delight of all.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the Museum of Cambridge ended the financial year with unrestricted funds of £35,943 and a cash balance of £75,726, having restricted a deficit from unrestricted funds to just over £6,000. The trustees report that the charity remains highly reliant on grant funding, which provided 63% of overall income, and acknowledge that this reliance is unlikely to change for the foreseeable future due to a competitive funding landscape. While the financial position is described as delicate, the trustees have secured reductions in spend post-year-end and confirm the accounts are prepared on a going concern basis.
What the accounts disclose
“In 2024-2025, restricted income provided 63% of the Museum’s overall income” — page 7
“The Museum has a reserves policy which is designed to cover any costs associated with winding up the charity. These primarily relate to staff redundancies” — page 7
Funders the charity credits
- Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
Trustees
- Al Herron
- Dr Andreas Pantazatos
- Dr Claire Allen-Johnstone
- Hannah Grace Margaret Wilson
- Matthew Lowe Mr
- Roger Gunning Lilley
- Ruth McPhee
- Simon Halliday
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £276k | £300k |
| 31/03/2024 | £238k | £271k |
| 31/03/2023 | £285k | £286k |
| 31/03/2022 | £263k | £255k |
| 31/03/2021 | £207k | £169k |
Common questions
Is MUSEUM OF CAMBRIDGE financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the Museum of Cambridge ended the financial year with unrestricted funds of £35,943 and a cash balance of £75,726, having restricted a deficit from unrestricted funds to just over £6,000. The trustees report that the charity remains highly reliant on grant funding, which provided 63% of overall income, and acknowledge that this reliance is unlikely to change for the foreseeable future due to a competitive funding landscape. While the financial position is described as delicate, the trustees have secured reductions in spend post-year-end and confirm the accounts are prepared on a going concern basis. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds MUSEUM OF CAMBRIDGE?
Funders whose own accounts filings name MUSEUM OF CAMBRIDGE as a grant recipient include THE JOHN COATES CHARITABLE TRUST.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE JOHN COATES CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2024 | £3k | |
| THE JOHN COATES CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2023 | £3k |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 09/02/2024 | £100k | "Firm Foundations, Flourishing Futures." |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 03/03/2020 | £211k | "Museum of Cambridge- Museum Making" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 23/01/2018 | £85k | "Museum of Cambridge - Securing our Future" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 08/09/2016 | £8k | "Cambridge History Festival: celebrating city and county heritage with the Museum of Cambridge" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 15/10/2009 | £50k | "Volunteers Inspire Visitor Access (VIVA)" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 19/01/2007 | £50k | "Our Collections for Our Community" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 06/09/2001 | £853k | "Cambridge and County Folk Museum Re-development" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 03/02/1999 | £23k | "This Is Your Cambridge" |