The Royal Horticultural Society
Analysis
The Royal Horticultural Society is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in London. It was registered in July 1963, 63 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, arts/culture/heritage/science, environment/conservation/heritage and economic/community development/employment, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. It says it makes grants to individuals, provides buildings/facilities/open space and provides advocacy/advice/information.
In the financial year ending January 2026, The Royal Horticultural Society reported income of £133.7m and spending of £137.4m, spending 103% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from January 2022 to January 2026, income grew from £110.5m to £133.7m (+21%), an average of +4.9% a year. Over the whole period it spent 101% 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 Royal Horticultural Society 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 The Royal National Theatre (£128.7m), Historic Royal Palaces (£138.6m) and Museum of London (£128.5m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 54%, trading 32% and donations and legacies 12%. Gifts in wills alone brought in £2.8m. Charitable activities took 74% of spending and raising funds 25%. It employed 1,269 people.
Data notes from the register: Spending has exceeded income in each of the last three reported years, so the charity has been drawing on reserves or other funds.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 10%
- Legacies 2.1%
- Charitable activities 54%
- Trading 32%
- Investments 0.5%
- Other 0.6%
In the charity's own words
The RHS was founded in 1804 to inspire passion and excellence in horticulture. We want to enrich everyone's life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. To achieve our aim we undertake scientific research; provide education, training and horticultural advice; support community horticulture projects; and share our renowned gardens and shows with the public.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| The Royal National Theatre | London | £128.7m |
| Historic Royal Palaces | East Molesey | £138.6m |
| Museum of London | London | £128.5m |
| The English Heritage Trust | London | £155.2m |