The Folklore Society
Analysis
The Folklore Society is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in London. It was registered in March 1999, 27 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training and arts/culture/heritage/science, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 03685496). It says it makes grants to individuals, provides services and provides advocacy/advice/information.
In the financial year ending December 2025, The Folklore Society reported income of £249k and spending of £114k, leaving 54% of income unspent that year. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income grew from £109k to £249k (+129%), an average of +23% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2025, when income rose by 171%. Over the whole period it spent 66% of the income it received.
Among 17,634 England and Wales charities whose main cause is arts, culture, heritage and science and that reported income, The Folklore Society sits at the 87th percentile: it is larger than about 87% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 84th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include St Andrews Youth Development Trust (£249k), Society for Nautical Research (£250k) and Sir Joseph Banks Society CIO (£249k).
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Other 100%
In the charity's own words
The Folklore Society is devoted to the study of traditional vernacular culture. Its objectives are to foster folklore research and recording worldwide and to make the results of these studies available to all persons whether members of the Society or not.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| St Andrews Youth Development Trust | London | £249k |
| Society for Nautical Research | London | £250k |
| Sir Joseph Banks Society CIO | Lincolnshire | £249k |
| The Military Vehicle Trust | Martock | £250k |