Goodenough College
Analysis
Goodenough College is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in London. It was registered in January 1961, 65 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, accommodation/housing and economic/community development/employment, which this site groups under housing and shelter. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 00246919). It says it makes grants to individuals, provides buildings/facilities/open space and provides services.
In the financial year ending August 2025, Goodenough College reported income of £18.4m and spending of £16.8m, spending 91% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from August 2021 to August 2025, income grew from £10.6m to £18.4m (+73%), an average of +15% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to August 2023, when income rose by 45%. Over the whole period it spent 107% of the income it received.
Among 2,324 England and Wales charities whose main cause is housing and shelter and that reported income, Goodenough College 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 Girton College (£17.3m), Nilkanth Estates (£19.5m) and The Principal and Fellows of the College of the Lady Margaret in the University of Oxford (£16.7m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 52%, trading 33%, donations and legacies 8.3% and investments 6.5%. Charitable activities took 77% of spending and raising funds 23%. Reserves of £9.4m would cover about 7 months of spending at that rate. It employed 101 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 8.3%
- Charitable activities 52%
- Trading 33%
- Investments 6.5%
In the charity's own words
Goodenough College provides residential accommodation for British and international postgraduate students and their families in central London. We deliver a vibrant community through a unique programme of intellectual, cultural and social activities in line with our values of global citizenship and social responsibility. The Burn offers accommodation and an academic retreat in Scotland.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Girton College | Cambridge | £17.3m |
| Nilkanth Estates | London | £19.5m |
| The Principal and Fellows of the College of the Lady Margaret in the University of Oxford | Oxford | £16.7m |
| Wallich-Clifford Community | Cardiff | £20.7m |