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The British Museum Trust Limited

The charity advances the charitable objects of the Trustees of the British Museum and culture, heritage, science, education and the arts for public benefit throughout the world in any manner incidental, conducive to or compatible with the charitable objects of the Trustees of the British Museum. The Charity achieves this object through the award of grants. It is independent of the British Museum.

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Activities & Mission

The charity advances the charitable objects of the Trustees of the British Museum and culture, heritage, science, education and the arts for public benefit throughout the world in any manner incidental, conducive to or compatible with the charitable objects of the Trustees of the British Museum. The Charity achieves this object through the award of grants. It is independent of the British Museum.

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
£1,487
Latest Expenditure
£1,183,489

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 1.8%
% of income going directly to charitable activities
Overall Efficiency 7.7%
% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)
Administrative Ratio 93.3%
Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £4,500,000
Charitable Activities £0
Other Trading £0
Investments £1,254
Other Income £0

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £81,064
Raising Funds £974,663
Governance £10,136
Grants to Institutions £53,840
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 YearIncomeExpenditureCharitable SpendingNet AssetsReservesStaff
2024
£4,501,254
£1,055,727£81,064£191,541,770£349,6400 / 0
2023
£7,509,242
£1,080,277£155,910£173,556,693£374,2830 / 0

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about The British Museum Trust Limited

What does The British Museum Trust Limited do?

The charity advances the charitable objects of the Trustees of the British Museum and culture, heritage, science, education and the arts for public benefit throughout the world in any manner incidental, conducive to or compatible with the charitable objects of the Trustees of the British Museum. The Charity achieves this object through the award of grants. It is independent of the British Museum.

How much income did The British Museum Trust Limited report in 2024?

The British Museum Trust Limited reported total income of £4.50m and reported expenditure of £1.06m for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

When was The British Museum Trust Limited registered as a charity?

The British Museum Trust Limited was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 21 March 2011 as charity number 1140844. It has been registered for 15 years.

Who runs The British Museum Trust Limited?

The British Museum Trust Limited is governed by a board of 5 trustees. The chair of trustees is LORD POWELL OF BAYSWATER. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does The British Museum Trust Limited operate?

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

Is The British Museum Trust Limited a registered charity?

Yes — The British Museum Trust Limited is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1140844.

Details

Address
BRITISH MUSEUM
GREAT RUSSELL STREET
LONDON
WC1B 3DG
Registration Date
21 March 2011
Status
Registered

Registry Information

Organisation Number
5016699
Charity Number
1140844

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Trustees

LORD POWELL OF BAYSWATER Chair
Also governs 1 other charity
Dame Elizabeth Corley
David Ronald Norgrove
Emeritus Professor Clive Stephen Gamble
JACK RYAN

Data & trust

Register data refreshed
30 July 2026
Report a data issue