Council for At-Risk Academics
Analysis
Council for At-Risk Academics is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in London. It was registered in September 1962, 64 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, the prevention or relief of poverty and human rights/religious or racial harmony/equality or diversity, which this site groups under poverty relief. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 00641687). It says it makes grants to individuals, makes grants to organisations and provides advocacy/advice/information.
In the financial year ending December 2025, Council for At-Risk Academics reported income of £11.4m and spending of £11.1m, spending 98% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income grew from £3.1m to £11.4m (+270%), an average of +39% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2023, when income rose by 103%. Over the whole period it spent 99% of the income it received.
Among 15,276 England and Wales charities whose main cause is poverty relief and that reported income, Council for At-Risk Academics sits at the 99th 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 99th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include National Zakat Foundation (NZF) (£11.1m), St Mary's College Crosby Trust Limited (£11.5m) and Islamic Help (£11.0m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from donations and legacies 97% and investments 2.8%. Charitable activities took 99% of spending and raising funds 0.5%. Reserves of £1.1m would cover about 1 months of spending at that rate. It employed 19 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 97%
- Investments 2.8%
- Other 0.5%
In the charity's own words
To assist academics who are subject to or at risk of discrimination, persecution, suffering or violence, to relieve needs among them and their dependants so that their abilities can continue to be used for the public benefit; to support academics and their institutions in countries where their work is at risk or compromised, to ensure that they can continue to fulfil their role as educators.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| National Zakat Foundation (NZF) | London | £11.1m |
| St Mary's College Crosby Trust Limited | Liverpool | £11.5m |
| Islamic Help | Birmingham | £11.0m |
| Developing Health and Independence | Bath | £11.5m |