The Balsam Centre

Also known as: Balsam Centre, Wincanton Community Venture, The Balsam Project

The charity exists to reduce inequalities and provide health, social, educational and cultural opportunities for individuals and communities in its area of benefit. The work is delivered from the Balsam Centre.

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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

Dorset Somerset Wiltshire

Financial Information

Latest Income

£1,262,295

Latest Expenditure

£1,142,423

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 90.4%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Overall Efficiency 99.9%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Administrative Ratio 0.9%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £826,676

Charitable Activities £409,481

Other Trading £0

Investments £26,138

Other Income £0

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £1,141,381

Raising Funds £1,042

Governance £9,600

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.

Financial Year	Income	Expenditure	Charitable Spending	Net Assets	Reserves	Staff
2025	£1,262,295	£1,142,423	£1,141,381	£1,603,535	£178,125	50 / 140
2024	£973,492	£1,035,945	£1,035,930	£1,485,492	£104,303	46 / 140
2023	£1,056,107	£891,376	£889,834	£1,507,023	£118,157	43 / 100
2022	£808,821	£700,036	£692,266	£1,349,959	£300,000	39 / 105
2021	£670,212	£548,092	£546,978	£1,228,642	£300,000	34 / 120

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about The Balsam Centre

What does The Balsam Centre do?

How much income did The Balsam Centre report in 2025?

The Balsam Centre reported total income of £1.26m and reported expenditure of £1.14m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

When was The Balsam Centre registered as a charity?

The Balsam Centre was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 15 May 2000 as charity number 1080719. It has been registered for 26 years.

Who runs The Balsam Centre?

The Balsam Centre is governed by a board of 9 trustees. The chair of trustees is Michael Francis Bainbridge. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does The Balsam Centre operate?

The Balsam Centre operates across 3 areas: Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire.

Is The Balsam Centre a registered charity?

Yes — The Balsam Centre is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1080719.