The National Manuscripts Conservation Trust
Analysis
The National Manuscripts Conservation Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Reading. It was registered in January 1990, 36 years ago. Its declared purposes cover arts/culture/heritage/science, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. Legally it is a charitable trust. It says it makes grants to organisations.
In the financial year ending December 2025, The National Manuscripts Conservation Trust reported income of £228k and spending of £205k, spending 90% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income grew from £129k to £228k (+77%), an average of +15% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2022, when income rose by 41%. Over the whole period it spent 93% 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 National Manuscripts Conservation Trust sits at the 86th percentile: it is larger than about 86% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 82nd percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Gloucester Civic Trust Limited (£228k), Unity Theatre Trust (£228k) and Switchflicker CIO (£228k).
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Other 100%
In the charity's own words
The National Manuscripts Conservation Trust was set up in 1990 to provide financial assistance to owners and custodians in the UK in preserving the nation's written heritage. In addition to giving grants, we advise applicants on matters relating to potential applications, including specific preservation policies and strategies and to best practice in preservation.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Gloucester Civic Trust Limited | Gloucester | £228k |
| Unity Theatre Trust | London | £228k |
| Switchflicker CIO | Manchester | £228k |
| Gregson Community Association Ltd | Lancaster | £229k |