Where does your donation go?

Where does your donation go?

The following synopsis is taken from the newly published 22/23 Annual Report & Accounts, available to download in full on our website or you can request a hardcopy by emailing us.

The document aims to give people the full picture of the Trust’s financial position, it’s work across the last year and the impact it has in Nepal.

The Gurkha Welfare Trust continues to deliver an impact far above its weight in Nepal, thanks to the incredible support from donors.

Streamlined for efficiency

Our operational structure is strategically balanced, with over 20 staff in the UK organising and funding the efforts of more than 500 staff members across Nepal. Notably, all donations directed to the Trust bypass any intermediary or external organisation within Nepal.

Funds are generated by The Gurkha Welfare Trust in the UK and directly utilised by The Gurkha Welfare Trust in Nepal. Additionally, we play a role in financing two advice centres in the UK to assist veterans and their families who choose to settle in the region.

For over five decades, our unwavering mission has remained constant – to provide assistance to Gurkha veterans. Over time, this commitment has extended to encompass their dependents, widows, and broader communities.

Where does our money come from?

Last year the Trust raised £13.67m through its fundraising, of which nearly half came in via legacies kindly left to the Trust by supporters in their Wills.

In addition to the money given to us by individuals we also received funds from the UK government and income from our investments.

How much of your donation goes to helping Gurkhas?

As an organisation run with ‘military efficiency’ we pride ourselves on being transparent to all of our donors.

Last year, for every £1 of income, The Gurkha Welfare Trust, spent just 12p on fundraising (including management of our investments) and 88p on supporting Gurkha veterans, widows, and their wider communities.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to provide an annual Grant in Aid (£3.3M) towards staff and administration costs.

That means that, in conjunction with the money the Trust receives from its investment income, money that you donate can be spent directly on welfare projects.

For every £1 we spent on fundraising last year, we raised £5.49.

Download the 22/23 Annual Report & Accounts