Public Support Test Overview
A public support test reviews how widely an organization is funded. It is often used by charities that must show broad community backing. The calculator turns support records into a percentage. It also highlights concentration risk. The result helps teams prepare cleaner internal schedules.
Why the Percentage Matters
The main question is simple. How much support came from the public base? A higher percentage suggests wider support. A lower percentage may show reliance on a few sources. Many reviews compare the result with a one third safe level. Some cases also consider a ten percent facts and circumstances range.
What Counts as Support
Support can include public donations, grants, and service revenue. It can also include investment income or other receipts in total support. Some amounts may be excluded. Unusual grants may be removed from both sides. Excess large donor support may be removed from the numerator. Disqualified person support is usually tracked separately.
Using Five Year Data
The test often uses several years. This page accepts five yearly columns. That view reduces noise from one strong campaign. It also reveals trends. A charity can see whether broad support is improving, flat, or falling. The yearly table makes review easier for staff and advisers.
Reading the Result
The calculator reports total support, adjusted public support, and the support percentage. It then compares that percentage with chosen thresholds. A pass message does not replace professional advice. It does give a fast planning signal. It also helps identify missing records before formal reporting begins.
Better Record Keeping
Keep donor summaries, grant letters, program revenue notes, and exclusion details together. Label unusual grants clearly. Separate disqualified person support from broad public donations. Review the 2 percent cap before final entry. Good source labels make the percentage more reliable. Export the CSV or PDF for review meetings. Save each version with the filing year.
Planning Notes
Use the result before budgets are approved. A low percentage may support a broader outreach plan. It may also show a need for better small donor records. Do not mix pledged amounts with received support. Enter only the period being tested. Recheck formulas when amended returns change prior year numbers. Store dated exports securely.