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The Inland Waterways Association

Also known as: The Inland Waterways Association Limited, Waterway Recovery Group

Activities to achieve a widely appreciated and well maintained network of inland waterways available for the benefit of all. We are the only national charity that campaigns locally and nationally for all the country's canals and river navigations.

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Activities & Mission

Activities to achieve a widely appreciated and well maintained network of inland waterways available for the benefit of all. We are the only national charity that campaigns locally and nationally for all the country's canals and river navigations.

Grants

The Inland Waterways Association makes grants as part of its work.

Gives grants to
organisations
Grants paid (2025)
£231,133
Who it helps
other charities or voluntary bodies and the general public
What it supports
education and training, arts, culture, heritage, or science, amateur sport, the environment, conservation, or heritage and recreation

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
£1,488,666
Latest Expenditure
£1,214,796

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 52.6%
% of income going directly to charitable activities
Overall Efficiency 64.5%
% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)
Administrative Ratio 39.4%
Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £1,077,050
Charitable Activities £22,975
Other Trading £295,105
Investments £93,536
Other Income £0

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £783,047
Raising Funds £431,749
Governance £46,540
Grants to Institutions £231,133
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 YearIncomeExpenditureCharitable SpendingNet AssetsReservesStaff
2025
£1,488,666
£1,214,796£783,047£2,650,464£813,9148 / 500
2024
£1,818,463
£1,537,395£520,276£2,664,188£610,20734 / 500
2023
£1,890,454
£1,808,219£880,969£2,367,331£859,86346 / 500
2022
£1,645,622
£1,883,087£848,118£2,239,194£347,63161 / 700
2021
£1,770,221
£1,743,480£927,088£2,658,408£563,26445 / 800

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about The Inland Waterways Association

What does The Inland Waterways Association do?

Activities to achieve a widely appreciated and well maintained network of inland waterways available for the benefit of all. We are the only national charity that campaigns locally and nationally for all the country's canals and river navigations.

How much income did The Inland Waterways Association report in 2025?

The Inland Waterways Association reported total income of £1.49m and reported expenditure of £1.21m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

When was The Inland Waterways Association registered as a charity?

The Inland Waterways Association was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 17 December 1962 as charity number 212342. It has been registered for 64 years.

Who runs The Inland Waterways Association?

The Inland Waterways Association is governed by a board of 14 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does The Inland Waterways Association operate?

The Inland Waterways Association operates across 2 areas: Scotland and England And Wales.

Is The Inland Waterways Association a registered charity?

Yes — The Inland Waterways Association is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 212342.

Details

Contact (address, email, phone)
Registration Date
17 December 1962
Status
Registered

Registry Information

Organisation Number
212342
Charity Number
212342

Trustees

Alexander Thomas Barty
Christopher John Knell
Colin Howard Porter
David Chapman
David Treharne Morgan
Also governs 1 other charity
Dr Ian Christopher Redmond Sesnan
Hannah Rigley
Jessica Aimee van der Drift
Matthew Peter Rogers
Michael John Wills
Paul Strudwick
Rt Hon Sir Robert James Atkins
Tiffany Gale-Haynes

Also Known As

  • The Inland Waterways Association Limited
  • Waterway Recovery Group

Data & trust

Register data refreshed
2 November 2026
Report a data issue