The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation
Analysis
The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Maidenhead. It was registered in March 2017, 9 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, economic/community development/employment and other charitable purposes, which this site groups under community and economic development. Legally it is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). It says it makes grants to organisations and provides advocacy/advice/information.
In the financial year ending March 2025, The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation reported income of £1.1m and spending of £828k, leaving 22% of income unspent that year. Across the 5 years on record, from March 2021 to March 2025, income grew from £567k to £1.1m (+88%), an average of +17% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to March 2025, when income rose by 73%. Over the whole period it spent 93% of the income it received.
Among 1,869 England and Wales charities whose main cause is community and economic development and that reported income, The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation sits at the 92nd percentile: it is larger than about 92% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 94th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Warwickshire Rural Community Council (£1.1m), Halton Community Transport (£1.1m) and Only a Pavement Away CIO (£1.0m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from donations and legacies 82%, charitable activities 9.4%, trading 7.5% and investments 1.4%. Gifts in wills alone brought in £385k. Charitable activities took 40% of spending and raising funds 59%. Grants to other organisations totalled £331k. Reserves of £315k would cover about 5 months of spending at that rate. It employed 4 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 46%
- Legacies 36%
- Charitable activities 9.4%
- Trading 7.5%
- Investments 1.4%
In the charity's own words
The CWGF is a charitable foundation highlighting the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). We engage young people from communities around the UK interested in the story of our common sacrifice and shared history.By supporting the CWGF, people will enable us to fund education and activities which will capture the public imagination, and highlight the work the CWGC does.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Warwickshire Rural Community Council | London | £1.1m |
| Halton Community Transport | Cheshire | £1.1m |
| Only a Pavement Away CIO | London | £1.0m |
| The Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action | London | £1.1m |