The Degrees Initiative
Analysis
The Degrees Initiative is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in 256-260 Old Street. It was registered in November 2021, 5 years ago. Its declared purposes cover general charitable purposes, education/training, arts/culture/heritage/science and environment/conservation/heritage, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 13290405). It says it makes grants to individuals, makes grants to organisations and provides other finance.
In the financial year ending December 2025, The Degrees Initiative reported income of £3.6m and spending of £2.6m, leaving 28% of income unspent that year. Across the 4 years on record, from December 2022 to December 2025, income grew from £262k to £3.6m (+1283%), an average of +140% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2023, when income rose by 1084%. Over the whole period it spent 54% 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 Degrees Initiative sits at the 98th percentile: it is larger than about 98% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 98th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Crafts Council (£3.6m), High Peak Theatre Trust Limited (£3.7m) and The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum (£3.6m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from donations and legacies 99%. Charitable activities took 100% of spending and raising funds 0.4%. Grants to other organisations totalled £626k. Reserves of £4.3m would cover about 20 months of spending at that rate. It employed 11 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 99%
- Other 1.1%
In the charity's own words
The Degrees Initiative builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation management geoengineering and play a central role in research and discussions. The initiative's activities include providing research grants, engagement workshops and community-building activities.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Crafts Council | London | £3.6m |
| High Peak Theatre Trust Limited | Derbyshire | £3.7m |
| The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum | Hampshire | £3.6m |
| Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited | Alresford | £3.7m |