A children’s palliative care charity in north London aims to grow its fundraising income by 19% and open its first shop in an effort to close its annual operating deficit by the end of 2029.
In its three-year strategy, published today, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice said it also aimed to increase its statutory and NHS income to cover half of the charity’s care costs.
The charity said that, like 91% of the children’s hospice sector, it is operating with financial deficit and warned that this “is not sustainable”.
In the year to March 2025, the charity recorded an income of £6.68m, £4.6m of which came from donations and legacies, and an expenditure of £7.71m.
The charity, which launched 20 years ago, said in its strategy that it must grow its voluntary income to £5.7m per year in order to end 2029 without a deficit.
Meanwhile, it aims to increase its statutory funding from 32% of its charitable expenditure to 50% by 2029.
“We will also establish an additional stream of unrestricted income by launching a pilot retail operation during the strategy period,” the strategy reads.
“This initiative will not only diversify our revenue and generate further financial support but also raise awareness of our services within the local community, creating new opportunities for engagement and connection.”
Staff retention goal
The charity, which employed 123 people on average in 2024-25, plans to strengthen staff retention by focusing on “emotional support, fair pay, career progression, work-life balance, psychological safety, and a shared sense of purpose”.
It aims to offer more part-time and community-based roles, and review job requirements to boost recruitment and widen access.
The charity also aims to promoting diversity and inclusion across its workforce.
Chief executive Sophie Andrews said: “Our new strategy reflects our unwavering commitment to the children and families we serve.
“By delivering exceptional care, building strong partnerships, and developing sustainable funding streams to secure our future, we are ensuring that every family who needs us can access the support they deserve.”
