Tools For Self Reliance
Also known as: Tools for Self Reliance Ltd, T F S R
Our overall mission is to supports people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to build resilient livelihoods and thriving communities. We work with and through partner organisations to deliver training and to equip graduates for work. In the UK we have a network of over 350 UK volunteers who contribute by collecting and refurbishing donated tools and by fundraising to support our work.
Activities & Mission
Our overall mission is to supports people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to build resilient livelihoods and thriving communities. We work with and through partner organisations to deliver training and to equip graduates for work. In the UK we have a network of over 350 UK volunteers who contribute by collecting and refurbishing donated tools and by fundraising to support our work.
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
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 55% of UK Charity and VCS support charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 724). How is this calculated?
Higher than 20% of UK Charity and VCS support charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 14% of UK Charity and VCS support 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 2024.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | £698,770 | £767,421 | £636,085 | £1,260,153 | £140,069 | 10 / 350 |
| 2023 | £758,796 | £802,492 | £640,307 | £878,804 | £153,679 | 11 / 400 |
| 2022 | £778,872 | £916,132 | £729,258 | £922,500 | £111,697 | 11 / 449 |
| 2021 | £764,313 | £712,334 | £556,637 | £1,059,760 | £114,831 | 10 / 640 |
| 2020 | £680,260 | £632,643 | £514,292 | £952,781 | £129,889 | 10 / 640 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Tools For Self Reliance
What does Tools For Self Reliance do?
Our overall mission is to supports people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to build resilient livelihoods and thriving communities. We work with and through partner organisations to deliver training and to equip graduates for work. In the UK we have a network of over 350 UK volunteers who contribute by collecting and refurbishing donated tools and by fundraising to support our work.
How much income did Tools For Self Reliance report in 2024?
Tools For Self Reliance reported total income of £699k and reported expenditure of £767k for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Tools For Self Reliance?
Tools For Self Reliance has a program ratio of 91.0%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 55% of UK Charity and VCS support charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 724 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Tools For Self Reliance registered as a charity?
Tools For Self Reliance was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 10 October 1980 as charity number 280437. It has been registered for 46 years.
Who runs Tools For Self Reliance?
Tools For Self Reliance is governed by a board of 6 trustees. The chair of trustees is David Fletcher. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Tools For Self Reliance operate?
Tools For Self Reliance operates across 6 areas, including Ghana, Malawi, Sierra Leone and 3 others. The full list is shown on its profile.
Is Tools For Self Reliance a registered charity?
Yes — Tools For Self Reliance is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 280437.
Details
RINGWOOD ROAD
WOODLANDS
SOUTHAMPTON
SO40 7GY
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 2 other charities
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Tools for Self Reliance Ltd
- T F S R
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated