Frequently asked questions
How do we raise money?
Our total income in 2024 was £106.8m. This was made up from a number of sources, including:
- £15.6m from donations and legacies
- £80.8m from charitable activities
- £1m from investment income
I want my donation to go to a specific programme. Is this possible?
General donations let us allocate funds where the need is greatest. Whether it’s responding quickly to urgent needs or investing in long-term impact, general donations give us the flexibility we need to plan ahead. That means we can ensure your generosity has the greatest possible impact.
However, if you want your donation to be directed to a specific area of our work, you just need to indicate this clearly and in writing when making your donation.
If you’re leaving a gift in your Will and want it to benefit a specific location or area of our work that is close to your heart, we encourage you to speak to us. We will always strive to honour your wishes.
How do we spend your donations?
St John Ambulance is a not-for-profit organisation, meaning anything we make goes straight back into the charity.
Whether it’s through setting up a new volunteer unit or promoting free first aid advice in one of our campaigns, we're determined to build communities where every single person is first aid confident.
Our annual report explains exactly how much we spend, so you can always be sure that we use your donations effectively.
Download our 2024 annual report