Cambridge Philosophical Society

The aims of the Society are to promote research in all branches of science and to encourage the communication of the results of scientific research.

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Activities & Mission

The aims of the Society are to promote research in all branches of science and to encourage the communication of the results of scientific research.

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

Cambridgeshire

Financial Information

Latest Income

£987,925

Latest Expenditure

£882,728

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 83.1%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Higher than 48% of UK Research charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 273). How is this calculated?

Overall Efficiency 93.0%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Higher than 41% of UK Research charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?

Administrative Ratio 11.1%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Lower overhead than 34% of UK Research charities with income £100K to £1M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £41,150

Charitable Activities £565,201

Other Trading £0

Investments £381,574

Other Income £0

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £821,277

Raising Funds £61,451

Governance £36,641

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 2024.

Financial Year	Income	Expenditure	Charitable Spending	Net Assets	Reserves	Staff
2024	£987,925	£882,728	£821,277	£16,828,916	£1,043,139	9 / 0
2023	£874,974	£629,232	£577,528	£15,868,508	£990,493	8 / 0
2022	£823,507	£683,913	£634,100	£14,863,079	£889,285	9 / 0
2021	£794,952	£668,312	£614,395	£16,987,958	£699,540	9 / 0
2020	£759,225	£664,109	£621,929	£14,695,841	£668,704	8 / 0

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about Cambridge Philosophical Society

What does Cambridge Philosophical Society do?

The aims of the Society are to promote research in all branches of science and to encourage the communication of the results of scientific research.

How much income did Cambridge Philosophical Society report in 2024?

Cambridge Philosophical Society reported total income of £988k and reported expenditure of £883k for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

How efficient is Cambridge Philosophical Society?

Cambridge Philosophical Society has a program ratio of 83.1%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 48% of UK Research charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 273 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.

When was Cambridge Philosophical Society registered as a charity?

Cambridge Philosophical Society was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 1 January 1963 as charity number 213811. It has been registered for 63 years.

Who runs Cambridge Philosophical Society?

Cambridge Philosophical Society is governed by a board of 20 trustees. The chair of trustees is Professor John Peter Carr. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does Cambridge Philosophical Society operate?

Cambridge Philosophical Society operates in Cambridgeshire, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.

Is Cambridge Philosophical Society a registered charity?

Yes — Cambridge Philosophical Society is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 213811.