The Mathers Foundation
The charity conserves living specimens of historically collected species dating back to the Victorian age and hybridised orchids, develops new breeding lines of orchids and conducts and/or funds scientific research into orchids and their habitats and disseminates the results of such research. It provides public access to orchids and their history through attendance at public shows.
Activities & Mission
The charity conserves living specimens of historically collected species dating back to the Victorian age and hybridised orchids, develops new breeding lines of orchids and conducts and/or funds scientific research into orchids and their habitats and disseminates the results of such research. It provides public access to orchids and their history through attendance at public shows.
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.
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 15% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 392). How is this calculated?
Higher than 47% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 47% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
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 Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £849,714 | £162,660 | £155,975 | £3,152,423 | £3,152,423 | 0 / 5 |
| 2024 | £993,923 | £153,562 | £150,242 | £2,163,992 | £2,163,992 | 0 / 3 |
| 2023 | £964,016 | £107,949 | £107,949 | £1,291,847 | £1,291,847 | 0 / 2 |
| 2022 | £300,765 | £87,824 | 0 / 2 | |||
| 2021 | £260,000 | £121,157 | 0 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Mathers Foundation
What does The Mathers Foundation do?
The charity conserves living specimens of historically collected species dating back to the Victorian age and hybridised orchids, develops new breeding lines of orchids and conducts and/or funds scientific research into orchids and their habitats and disseminates the results of such research. It provides public access to orchids and their history through attendance at public shows.
How much income did The Mathers Foundation report in 2025?
The Mathers Foundation reported total income of £850k and reported expenditure of £163k for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Mathers Foundation?
The Mathers Foundation has a program ratio of 18.4%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 15% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 392 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Mathers Foundation registered as a charity?
The Mathers Foundation was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 21 February 2019 as charity number 1182172. It has been registered for 7 years.
Who runs The Mathers Foundation?
The Mathers Foundation is governed by a board of 3 trustees. The chair of trustees is Gillian Mathers. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Mathers Foundation operate?
The Mathers Foundation operates in England And Wales, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is The Mathers Foundation a registered charity?
Yes — The Mathers Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1182172.
Details
17 The Hermitage
Richmond
Surrey
TW10 6SH
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated