Activities

As described by the charity on the register

A local foundation that uses the legacy of Sir William Harpur, the founder in 1566, to benefit the inhabitants of the Borough of Bedford through the promotion of education; the relief of poverty, sickness and distress; and the provision of recreational facilities with a social welfare purpose.

Latest income

£73.0m

Expenditure

£72.8m

Financial year end

2025-06-30

Income & spending history

As reported to the Charity Commission, by financial year end

Year end Income Expenditure income spend
2021-06-30 £55.1m £54.9m
2022-06-30 £60.7m £60.1m
2023-06-30 £68.6m £67.8m
2024-06-30 £75.5m £74.0m
2025-06-30 £73.0m £72.8m

Latest detailed return

Year end 2025-06-30 · consolidated (group) figures

Income mix

Donations & legacies £1.7m
Charitable activities £66.7m
Trading £251k
Investment income £3.9m
Total income £73.0m

Spending

Charitable spend £71.6m
Raising funds £1.2m
Grants to institutions £1.3m
Governance £492k
Total expenditure £72.8m

Balance sheet

Reserves £17.2m
Total funds £232m
— restricted £6.8m
— unrestricted £96.7m
— endowment £128m
Total assets £232m
Cash £17.9m

People

Employees 1,134

Classification

The charity's own register classification

What it does

  • Education/training
  • The Prevention Or Relief Of Poverty
  • Recreation

Who it helps

  • Children/young People
  • Elderly/old People
  • Other Charities Or Voluntary Bodies

How it works

  • Makes Grants To Individuals
  • Makes Grants To Organisations
  • Provides Services

Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales register, 2026-07-28. Detailed figures as filed in the charity's annual return. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.