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The Nuffield Foundation

The advancement of social well being, particularly by scientific research. We do this in two ways: by supporting research, enquiry and innovative development that will contribute to the improvement of policy and practice; and by supporting young people to develop their interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

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Activities & Mission

The advancement of social well being, particularly by scientific research. We do this in two ways: by supporting research, enquiry and innovative development that will contribute to the improvement of policy and practice; and by supporting young people to develop their interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

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
£12,356,000
Latest Expenditure
£29,792,000

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 229.6%
% of income going directly to charitable activities

Higher than 100% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income over £10M (sample: 685). How is this calculated?

Overall Efficiency 95.2%
% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Higher than 35% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income over £10M. How is this calculated?

Administrative Ratio 5.4%
Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Lower overhead than 29% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income over £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £6,931,000
Charitable Activities £46,000
Other Trading £0
Investments £5,334,000
Other Income £45,000

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £28,374,000
Raising Funds £1,418,000
Governance £193,000
Grants to Institutions £14,859,000
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.

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
2024
£12,356,000
£29,792,000£28,374,000£514,797,000£174,00094 / 0
2023
£8,538,000
£23,142,000£21,960,000£488,463,000£4,019,00090 / 0
2022
£5,406,000
£24,908,000£23,187,000£465,128,000£4,279,00079 / 0
2021
£11,667,000
£30,145,000£28,512,000£515,590,000£5,298,00076 / 0
2020
£4,417,000
£22,692,000£21,557,000£440,672,000£11,828,00071 / 0

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about The Nuffield Foundation

What does The Nuffield Foundation do?

The advancement of social well being, particularly by scientific research. We do this in two ways: by supporting research, enquiry and innovative development that will contribute to the improvement of policy and practice; and by supporting young people to develop their interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

How much income did The Nuffield Foundation report in 2024?

The Nuffield Foundation reported total income of £12.36m and reported expenditure of £29.79m for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

How efficient is The Nuffield Foundation?

The Nuffield Foundation has a program ratio of 229.6%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 100% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income over £10M (sample of 685 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.

When was The Nuffield Foundation registered as a charity?

The Nuffield Foundation was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 21 October 1966 as charity number 206601. It has been registered for 60 years.

Who runs The Nuffield Foundation?

The Nuffield Foundation is governed by a board of 7 trustees. The chair of trustees is Professor Keith Burnett. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does The Nuffield Foundation operate?

The Nuffield Foundation operates across 3 areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland and England And Wales.

Is The Nuffield Foundation a registered charity?

Yes — The Nuffield Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 206601.

Details

Address
100 St. John Street
LONDON
EC1M 4EH
Registration Date
21 October 1966
Status
Registered

Registry Information

Organisation Number
206601
Charity Number
206601

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Trustees

Professor Keith Burnett Chair
Also governs 1 other charity
Dame Clare Tickell
John James Pullinger CB
Professor Ann Alison Phoenix
Professor Ash Amin CBE
Professor Brian David Bell
Professor Lorraine Margaret Dearden

Data & trust

Register data refreshed
14 May 2026
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