The Linnean Society of London
Analysis
The Linnean Society of London is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in London. It was registered in June 1964, 62 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, arts/culture/heritage/science and environment/conservation/heritage, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. It says it makes grants to individuals, makes grants to organisations and provides advocacy/advice/information.
In the financial year ending December 2025, The Linnean Society of London reported income of £2.6m and spending of £2.0m, leaving 24% of income unspent that year. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income grew from £2.5m to £2.6m (+5.3%), an average of +1.3% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2023, when income rose by 19%. Over the whole period it spent 77% 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 Linnean Society of London sits at the 97th percentile: it is larger than about 97% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 97th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Sherman Cymru (£2.6m), Society of Antiquaries of London (£2.6m) and Lowther Gardens, Lytham (£2.6m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 91%, investments 7.5% and donations and legacies 1.8%. Gifts in wills alone brought in £21k. Charitable activities took 94% of spending and raising funds 1.6%. Reserves of £4.1m would cover about 23 months of spending at that rate. It employed 23 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 1.0%
- Legacies 0.8%
- Charitable activities 91%
- Investments 7.5%
In the charity's own words
The Society's Royal Charter 1802 states the purpose as 'The Cultivation of the Science of Natural History in all its branches'. We have three key charitable activities:1) safeguarding and promoting our heritage collections; 2) advancing scientific knowledge and understanding; 3) engaging the public and educational outreach. Our vision is a world where nature is understood, valued and protected.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Sherman Cymru | Cardiff | £2.6m |
| Society of Antiquaries of London | London | £2.6m |
| Lowther Gardens, Lytham | Lancashire | £2.6m |
| The Audience Agency | Manchester | £2.7m |