Onside Youth Zones
Analysis
Onside Youth Zones is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Bolton. It was registered in September 2008, 18 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, arts/culture/heritage/science, amateur sport and economic/community development/employment, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 06591785). It says it provides human resources, provides buildings/facilities/open space and provides services.
In the financial year ending March 2025, Onside Youth Zones reported income of £20.8m and spending of £19.8m, spending 95% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from March 2021 to March 2025, income grew from £6.2m to £20.8m (+238%), an average of +36% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to March 2025, when income rose by 110%. Over the whole period it spent 102% 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, Onside Youth Zones sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 100th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (£20.8m), NMRN Operations (£21.5m) and Chichester Festival Theatre (£20.2m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 90% and donations and legacies 9.3%. Charitable activities took 100% of spending and raising funds 0.0%. Reserves of £2.4m would cover about 1 months of spending at that rate. It employed 55 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 9.3%
- Charitable activities 90%
- Investments 0.6%
- Other 0.1%
In the charity's own words
OnSide is a charity which supports the wellbeing, aspirations and life chances of young people. By creating a UK-wide network of high-quality youth facilities we are providing young people with inspiring and safe places to spend their leisure time. Our aim is to reach every UK town or city where there is a need, working in partnership with the public and private sector and local community.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama | Pontypridd | £20.8m |
| NMRN Operations | Portsmouth | £21.5m |
| Chichester Festival Theatre | Chichester | £20.2m |
| Beamish Museum | County Durham | £21.6m |