Active Essex Foundation

Also known as: Aef

Active Essex Foundation has been set up to use physical activity and Sport to engage and support the most deprived communities across Essex. We work in partnership with local organisations to engage harder to reach communities and under-represented groups across our county to address inequalities, empower communities, break down barriers, and improve outcomes.

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Activities & Mission

Areas of Operation

Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.

Local Authority

Essex Southend-on-sea Thurrock

Financial Information

Latest Income

£1,324,013

Latest Expenditure

£1,114,645

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 84.2%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Higher than 34% of UK Leisure charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 787). How is this calculated?

Overall Efficiency 100.0%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Higher than 100% of UK Leisure charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?

Administrative Ratio 1.6%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Lower overhead than 58% of UK Leisure charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £1,310,318

Charitable Activities £13,695

Other Trading £0

Investments £0

Other Income £0

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £1,114,645

Raising Funds £0

Governance £18,265

Grants to Institutions £0

Other Expenditure £0

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.

One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.

The Commission record shows this related event on the register:

Asset transfer in in 2025 — Community Iron (organisation 5063957)

Financial Year	Income	Expenditure	Charitable Spending	Net Assets	Reserves	Staff
2025	£1,324,013	£1,114,645	£1,114,645	£940,165	£42,384	5 / 45
2024	£787,246	£635,285	£635,285	£730,797	£27,375	3 / 45
2023	£251,845	£396,582				0 / 10
2022	£238,452	£13,975				0 / 8
2021	£102,594	£83,255				0 / 25

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about Active Essex Foundation

What does Active Essex Foundation do?

How much income did Active Essex Foundation report in 2025?

Active Essex Foundation reported total income of £1.32m and reported expenditure of £1.11m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

How efficient is Active Essex Foundation?

Active Essex Foundation has a program ratio of 84.2%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 34% of UK Leisure charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 787 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.

When was Active Essex Foundation registered as a charity?

Active Essex Foundation was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 21 April 2016 as charity number 1166665. It has been registered for 10 years.

Who runs Active Essex Foundation?

Active Essex Foundation is governed by a board of 8 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does Active Essex Foundation operate?

Active Essex Foundation operates across 3 areas: Essex, Southend-on-sea and Thurrock.

Is Active Essex Foundation a registered charity?

Yes — Active Essex Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1166665.