Paper Foundation
Analysis
Paper Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Kendal. It was registered in March 2017, 9 years ago. Its declared purposes cover general charitable purposes, 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 10493204). It says it makes grants to individuals, makes grants to organisations and provides advocacy/advice/information.
In the financial year ending December 2025, Paper Foundation reported income of £172k and spending of £264k, spending 153% of what it took in. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income grew from £54k to £172k (+219%), an average of +34% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2022, when income rose by 148%. Over the whole period it spent 92% 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, Paper Foundation sits at the 84th percentile: it is larger than about 84% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 79th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Teatro Vivo Ltd (£172k), House Mill Trust Ltd (£172k) and Low Bentham Public Hall and Victoria Institute (£172k).
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Other 100%
In the charity's own words
Located close to the historic James Cropper paper-mill in Burneside, a village in the English Lake District.Preserve and perpetuate knowledge and skills related to paper and associated artsProvide a living institution for paper devotees and practitionersCurate festivals and events making paper and associated arts exciting and accessible to broadest possible audience
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Teatro Vivo Ltd | London | £172k |
| House Mill Trust Ltd | London | £172k |
| Low Bentham Public Hall and Victoria Institute | Lancaster | £172k |
| Heritage and Communities Trust | London | £172k |