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Free The Bears UK

Also known as: Free the Bears - UK Branch

Free the Bears works to end the exploitation of threatened bear species and supports the protection of bears in the wild. We work with governments and nongovernmental partners to strengthen wildlife law enforcement, improve environmental awareness and promote sustainable livelihoods for communities that previously relied on the exploitation of bears.

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Activities & Mission

Free the Bears works to end the exploitation of threatened bear species and supports the protection of bears in the wild. We work with governments and nongovernmental partners to strengthen wildlife law enforcement, improve environmental awareness and promote sustainable livelihoods for communities that previously relied on the exploitation of bears.

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.

Financial Information

Latest Income
£567,137
Latest Expenditure
£545,621

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 95.7%
% of income going directly to charitable activities
Overall Efficiency 99.5%
% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)
Administrative Ratio 0.0%
Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £401,306
Charitable Activities £165,831
Other Trading £0
Investments £0
Other Income £0

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £542,664
Raising Funds £0
Governance £0
Grants to Institutions £0
Other Expenditure £2,957

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.

Financial YearIncomeExpenditureCharitable SpendingNet AssetsReservesStaff
2024
£567,137
£545,621£542,664£148,076£126,5790 / 3
2023
£543,797
£497,994£495,840£126,560£50,0000 / 1
2022
£326,301
£516,4570 / 3
2022
£297,369
£282,9930 / 1
2021
£369,305
£117,1160 / 3

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about Free The Bears UK

What does Free The Bears UK do?

Free the Bears works to end the exploitation of threatened bear species and supports the protection of bears in the wild. We work with governments and nongovernmental partners to strengthen wildlife law enforcement, improve environmental awareness and promote sustainable livelihoods for communities that previously relied on the exploitation of bears.

How much income did Free The Bears UK report in 2024?

Free The Bears UK reported total income of £567k and reported expenditure of £546k for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

When was Free The Bears UK registered as a charity?

Free The Bears UK was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 27 April 2010 as charity number 1135682. It has been registered for 16 years.

Who runs Free The Bears UK?

Free The Bears UK is governed by a board of 5 trustees. The chair of trustees is Jon Cracknell. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does Free The Bears UK operate?

Free The Bears UK operates across 3 areas: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Is Free The Bears UK a registered charity?

Yes — Free The Bears UK is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1135682.

Details

Address
628 High Road
South Benfleet
Essex
SS7 5SU
Registration Date
27 April 2010
Status
Registered

Registry Information

Organisation Number
5006216
Charity Number
1135682

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Trustees

Jon Cracknell Chair
Also governs 1 other charity
Dr Claudia Hartley
Giles Jason Clark
Also governs 1 other charity
Matthew Peter Hunt
Sarah Jane Moran

Also Known As

  • Free the Bears - UK Branch

Data & trust

Register data refreshed
30 July 2026
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