Wellcome Trust
Notable UK charityAlso known as: Will Charities of Sir Henry S Wellcome (the Museum and Library Charity)
Wellcome exists to improve health by helping great ideas to thrive.We support researchers, we take on big health challenges, we campaign for better science, and we help everyone get involved with science and health research. We are a politically and financially independent foundation.
Activities & Mission
Wellcome exists to improve health by helping great ideas to thrive.We support researchers, we take on big health challenges, we campaign for better science, and we help everyone get involved with science and health research. We are a politically and financially independent foundation.
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.
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Country
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 100% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M (sample: 125). How is this calculated?
Higher than 39% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 38% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M. (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 | £569,497,051 | £1,626,627,348 | £1,453,419,939 | £33,948,257,668 | £33,932,400,000 | 2377 / 0 |
| 2023 | £541,832,807 | £1,660,834,674 | £1,490,289,026 | £33,458,248,218 | £33,441,200,000 | 2314 / 0 |
| 2022 | £502,291,234 | £1,488,848,304 | £1,337,746,403 | £34,601,301,213 | £34,583,800,000 | 2081 / 0 |
| 2021 | £410,257,213 | £1,365,367,666 | £1,179,071,909 | £36,260,562,070 | £36,240,784,149 | 2065 / 0 |
| 2020 | £463,593,138 | £1,184,381,848 | £1,018,645,985 | £27,821,753,229 | £27,802,375,571 | 1969 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Wellcome Trust
What does Wellcome Trust do?
Wellcome exists to improve health by helping great ideas to thrive.We support researchers, we take on big health challenges, we campaign for better science, and we help everyone get involved with science and health research. We are a politically and financially independent foundation.
How much income did Wellcome Trust report in 2024?
Wellcome Trust reported total income of £569.50m and reported expenditure of £1.63bn for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Wellcome Trust?
Wellcome Trust has a program ratio of 255.2%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 100% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M (sample of 125 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Wellcome Trust registered as a charity?
Wellcome Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 4 October 1962 as charity number 210183. It has been registered for 64 years.
Who runs Wellcome Trust?
Wellcome Trust is governed by a board of 1 trustee. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Wellcome Trust operate?
Wellcome Trust operates across 42 areas, including Australia, Bangladesh, Botswana and 39 others. The full list is shown on its profile.
Is Wellcome Trust a registered charity?
Yes — Wellcome Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 210183.
Details
GIBBS BUILDING
215 EUSTON ROAD
LONDON
NW1 2BE
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
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Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Will Charities of Sir Henry S Wellcome (the Museum and Library Charity)
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated