2025 in numbers
Twelve figures that measure the year, and a candid account of why income and reach both fell.
- 13.1 million people directly assisted
- 802 projects ran in 41 countries
- 306 emergency projects reached more than 6.2 million people
- 330 development projects changed more than 4 million lives
- 8.9 million people helped by food aid and livelihood interventions
- 2.3 million lives saved and improved through healthcare interventions
- 952,600 people served by water, sanitation and hygiene projects
- 100,200 orphaned children received life-changing sponsorship
- 870,000 people in 35 countries reached through Ramadan food parcels
- 3.4 million individuals received qurbani meat
- 178,900 people received winter survival items
- 169,000 people helped to become more resilient to the challenges of climate change
Report from the Finance and Corporate Services Director: understanding our financial position in 2025
Why income and reach reduced in 2025
In 2025, Islamic Relief supported over 13 million people worldwide, delivering life-saving humanitarian aid, long-term development programmes and advocacy in some of the world's most challenging contexts. While this remains a very significant number of people supported, the number is lower than in 2024.
This change was primarily driven by lower income, not reduced need among vulnerable communities or less ambition on Islamic Relief's part. 2024 saw exceptionally large emergency appeals and unusually high levels of donor response. In 2025, income returned to a more typical level at a time when many supporters — particularly in the UK — were facing cost of living pressures and increased demands from multiple global crises. As a result, fewer projects could be funded and delivered during 2025, even though humanitarian needs remained extremely high.
The reduction in the number of people supported in 2025 therefore reflects financial capacity and timing, rather than any change in our commitment to serve vulnerable communities.
Why income and expenditure look further apart than in previous years
Charity finances do not operate in the same way as household budgets. Donations are often received before projects can begin, particularly where funds are restricted for specific purposes.
In 2025, a proportion of income was received late in the year and was already committed to clearly defined projects. These projects require planning, safeguarding checks, procurement and due diligence before funds can be spent responsibly. As a result, some expenditure will take place in 2026, even though the income is shown in the 2025 accounts.
This creates a temporary gap between income and expenditure in the annual financial statements. It does not indicate that funds are being held back or unused. During 2025, Islamic Relief still spent £215 million on charitable activities, with the majority directed to humanitarian assistance, orphan support, healthcare, livelihoods and education.
Why our reserves may appear high — and what that really means
At first glance, the level of reserves shown in our accounts may appear substantial. However, it is important to understand that most of these funds are not freely available to spend.
Our reserves include:
- restricted funds, which donors have given for specific projects and can only be used for those purposes
- funds committed to ongoing programmes, which will be spent as projects progress
- emergency readiness funds, allowing us to respond immediately when crises occur
- endowment and waqf funds, held to support long-term sustainability and generate future income.
Only a small proportion of reserves is freely available for general use. Holding appropriate reserves is considered good practice and is recommended by the Charity Commission. It ensures that programmes can continue without disruption, staff and partners can be paid on time, and life-saving assistance can begin immediately when emergencies strike.
Our reserves are therefore a sign of financial responsibility and preparedness, not excess or unused funds.
Our commitment to transparency and impact
Islamic Relief is committed to using donations carefully, promptly and responsibly. Differences between years reflect the timing of income, the scale of emergencies, and the need to deliver aid safely in complex environments. Every pound entrusted to us is managed in line with donor intent, regulatory requirements and our responsibility to the communities we serve.
Together with our supporters, we continue to focus on maximising impact, maintaining trust and ensuring that help reaches those who need it most — now and in the years ahead. Thank you for your continued generosity and partnership, which makes all this possible.