Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Analysis
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Sandy. It was registered in September 1962, 64 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, animals and environment/conservation/heritage, which this site groups under animals. It says it makes grants to organisations, provides buildings/facilities/open space and provides advocacy/advice/information.
In the financial year ending March 2025, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reported income of £195.0m and spending of £176.8m, spending 91% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from March 2021 to March 2025, income grew from £142.4m to £195.0m (+37%), an average of +8.2% a year. Over the whole period it spent 93% of the income it received.
Among 2,161 England and Wales charities whose main cause is animals and that reported income, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 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 Dogs Trust (£172.3m), Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (£171.5m) and Cats Protection (£105.6m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from donations and legacies 80% and trading 18%. Gifts in wills alone brought in £49.1m. Charitable activities took 76% of spending and raising funds 24%. Grants to other organisations totalled £6.9m. Reserves of £40.3m would cover about 3 months of spending at that rate. It employed 2,486 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 55%
- Legacies 25%
- Charitable activities 0.9%
- Trading 18%
- Investments 0.9%
- Other 0.1%
In the charity's own words
To promote the conservation of biological diversity and the natural environment for the public benefit by conserving wild birds and other wildlife, and the environment on which they depend,protecting, restoring and re-creating habitats.To raise public understanding and awareness,and to provide information on,such matters.To advance education of the public in conservation of the natural environment
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs Trust | London | £172.3m |
| Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals | West Sussex | £171.5m |
| Cats Protection | Haywards Heath | £105.6m |