Community First

Also known as: Community Council for Wiltshire

An independent charity working to improve the quality of life and the economic well-being of people in Wiltshire and Swindon.Community First provides technical advice, practical support and grant aid for a range of community based projects.

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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

Swindon Wiltshire

Financial Information

Latest Income

£3,309,458

Latest Expenditure

£2,932,498

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 86.1%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Overall Efficiency 97.2%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Administrative Ratio 4.3%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £158,786

Charitable Activities £2,853,348

Other Trading £247,031

Investments £40,444

Other Income £11,364

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £2,851,066

Raising Funds £81,432

Governance £44,476

Grants to Institutions £443,137

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.

Financial Year	Income	Expenditure	Charitable Spending	Net Assets	Reserves	Staff
2025	£3,309,458	£2,932,498	£2,851,066	£2,259,685	£272,997	57 / 50
2024	£2,298,189	£2,322,407	£2,235,698	£1,881,210	£172,607	46 / 50
2023	£2,300,961	£2,327,031	£2,244,524	£1,904,188	£221,390	49 / 30
2022	£2,137,356	£1,997,058	£1,912,210	£1,930,258	£199,153	47 / 22
2021	£2,212,297	£2,097,117	£2,025,829	£1,779,960	£149,520	49 / 24

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about Community First

What does Community First do?

How much income did Community First report in 2025?

Community First reported total income of £3.31m and reported expenditure of £2.93m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

When was Community First registered as a charity?

Community First was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 30 November 1983 as charity number 288117. It has been registered for 43 years.

Who runs Community First?

Community First is governed by a board of 10 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does Community First operate?

Community First operates across 2 areas: Swindon and Wiltshire.

Is Community First a registered charity?

Yes — Community First is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 288117.