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The British Library Collections Trust

The objects of the Charity are to advance the nation's intellectual heritage and to educate the public through the provision of support and assistance in relation to the development, management, promotion and use of the British Library's Collections and such other exclusively charitable activities of the British Library as the charity trustees in their absolute discretion may determine.

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Activities & Mission

The objects of the Charity are to advance the nation's intellectual heritage and to educate the public through the provision of support and assistance in relation to the development, management, promotion and use of the British Library's Collections and such other exclusively charitable activities of the British Library as the charity trustees in their absolute discretion may determine.

Grants

The British Library Collections Trust is a grant-making charity: making grants is its main activity.

Gives grants to
organisations
Grants paid (2025)
£172,392
Who it helps
other charities or voluntary bodies and the general public
What it supports
education and training and arts, culture, heritage, or science

As recorded with the Charity Commission. To ask about applying, use the contact details and check the trustees and latest accounts below.

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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
£1,650,575
Latest Expenditure
£182,264

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 11.0%
% of income going directly to charitable activities
Overall Efficiency 100.0%
% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)
Administrative Ratio 5.2%
Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £1,616,056
Charitable Activities £0
Other Trading £0
Investments £34,519
Other Income £0

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £182,264
Raising Funds £0
Governance £9,513
Grants to Institutions £172,392
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.

Financial YearIncomeExpenditureCharitable SpendingNet AssetsReservesStaff
2025
£1,650,575
£182,264£182,264£2,269,350£2,224,3500 / 0
2024
£55,965
£149,1670 / 0
2023
£285,074
£97,2050 / 0
2022
£84,156
£135,0640 / 0
2021
£84,156
£135,0640 / 0

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about The British Library Collections Trust

What does The British Library Collections Trust do?

The objects of the Charity are to advance the nation's intellectual heritage and to educate the public through the provision of support and assistance in relation to the development, management, promotion and use of the British Library's Collections and such other exclusively charitable activities of the British Library as the charity trustees in their absolute discretion may determine.

How much income did The British Library Collections Trust report in 2025?

The British Library Collections Trust reported total income of £1.65m and reported expenditure of £182k for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

When was The British Library Collections Trust registered as a charity?

The British Library Collections Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 25 September 2018 as charity number 1180073. It has been registered for 8 years.

Who runs The British Library Collections Trust?

The British Library Collections Trust is governed by a board of 7 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does The British Library Collections Trust operate?

The British Library Collections Trust operates in England And Wales, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.

Is The British Library Collections Trust a registered charity?

Yes — The British Library Collections Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1180073.

Details

Contact (address, phone)
Registration Date
25 September 2018
Status
Registered

Registry Information

Organisation Number
5126053
Charity Number
1180073

Trustees

Cordelia Elizabeth Rogerson
Dame Marina Sarah Warner
Also governs 1 other charity
Dr Christopher John Wright OBE
Also governs 2 other charities
Dr Geoffrey Richard West
Also governs 1 other charity
Professor Kathryn Sutherland
Also governs 1 other charity
Rev NORMAN KEITH STEPHENSON
Also governs 1 other charity

Data & trust

Register data refreshed
2 November 2026
Report a data issue