The Friends of the Grand
Analysis
The Friends of the Grand is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Blackpool. It was registered in April 1984, 42 years ago. Its declared purposes cover arts/culture/heritage/science and environment/conservation/heritage, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. It says it makes grants to organisations, provides human resources and acts as an umbrella or resource body.
In the financial year ending October 2025, The Friends of the Grand reported income of £13k and spending of £13k, spending 102% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from October 2021 to October 2025, income fell from £16k to £13k (-20%), an average of -5.5% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to October 2023, when income rose by 118%. Over the whole period it spent 612% 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 Friends of the Grand sits at the 37th percentile: it is larger than about 37% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 36th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Born to Shine Challenge Ltd (£13k), Theatre Uncut Productions (£13k) and Cantorion Llandrindod (£13k).
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
- Other 100%
In the charity's own words
The Friends of the Grand support the Blackpool Grand Theatre in different ways. They raise funds from subscriptions and social events to finance projects, primarily aimed at enhancing the comfort of our patrons. Over the last 30 years the Friends have contributed in excess of ?1million towards projects including the provision of new toilets, improved disabled access,i.e.chair lift new box office.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Born to Shine Challenge Ltd | London | £13k |
| Theatre Uncut Productions | Shepton Mallet | £13k |
| Cantorion Llandrindod | Powys | £13k |
| Hett Village Hall Association | Durham | £13k |