CBM UK
CBM UK Ltd. is a UK-registered Christian disability-inclusion charity and member of the CBM Global Federation, delivering eye health, neglected tropical disease, education and livelihood programmes through local partner organisations in low- and middle-income countries, funded by donations, legacies, trusts, and government grants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1908
- HeadquartersOakington, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What CBM UK does
CBM UK Ltd. is a registered UK charity (Charity Commission of England and Wales no. 1058162, OSCR SC041101) and a member association of the CBM Global Federation, tracing its origins to 1908. The organisation works to prevent disability-driven poverty in low- and middle-income countries through healthcare, education, livelihood, and advocacy programmes, delivered primarily through more than 50 local partner organisations including Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), NGOs, and healthcare facilities in Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Bangladesh, and elsewhere.
Its core programmatic offerings include eye health programmes (the SightQuest Nigeria Programme 2026-2035, Light up Lives Zimbabwe, Comprehensive Child Eye Health in Nigeria), neglected tropical disease and mental health interventions (CiSKuLA, mhCAP-NTDs), the Obstetric Fistula Programme, the partner-led Actions for Change programme in Bangladesh, Nepal and Kenya, and emergency relief responses such as the 2026 Cyclone Gezani response in Madagascar. Visible technology is limited to standard online donation tooling (Stripe and PayPal payment processing, JustGiving and MuchLoved platforms) and the deployment of low-cost medical devices such as the Arclight eye-screening tool; CBM UK does not develop proprietary technology products.
The business model is a donation-funded charity model. Income is derived from individual donations (amplified by Gift Aid), legacy gifts, corporate partnerships, trust and foundation grants, UK government funding including the UK Aid Match scheme, and bilateral/multilateral grants. Programmes and services are provided free of charge to beneficiaries. Fundraising channels span the organisation's website, direct mail, the TCS London Marathon, church partnerships, and third-party fundraising platforms. Revenue is not publicly disclosed, but the GBP 2.3 million Light up Lives Zimbabwe project and the EUR 15 million SightQuest Nigeria commitment indicate materially sized programme funding relative to a small UK team of 11-50 staff.
CBM UK firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CBM UK
- Legal name
- CBM UK Ltd.
- Website
- https://cbmuk.org.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1908
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- CBM UK Ltd. is a UK-registered Christian disability-inclusion charity and member of the CBM Global Federation, delivering eye health, neglected tropical disease, education and livelihood programmes through local partner organisations in low- and middle-income countries, funded by donations, legacies, trusts, and government grants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CBM UK industry classification
Industry- Product category
- International Disability Inclusion Charity Services
- NAICS
- Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Emergency and Other Relief Services (62423), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)
- SIC
- Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)
- akta.pro primary industry
- International & Local Implementing NGOs (HLAJAKAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cash & Voucher Assistance (CVA) and Emergency Livelihood Support (BPAGAAAJ), Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health (MNCAH) NGOs (HLAJAKAG), Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) & Mental Health Programs (BPADAIAK)
Keywords
Where CBM UK is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Oakington
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
CBM UK business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: CBM UK raises funds through individual donations via its website, direct mail, and event participation. Gift Aid scheme amplifies UK donations by 25%.
- Legacy Gifts: Bequests and gifts in Wills are a significant revenue stream, with supporters pledging long-term financial support.
- Corporate Partnerships: Partnerships with businesses for fundraising support, cause marketing, and employee giving programs.
- Trusts and Foundations: Funding applications to charitable trusts and foundations for specific programmatic work.
- Government Grants: UK government funding through UK Aid Match scheme and other bilateral/m multilateral funding mechanisms.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
CBM UK product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CBM UK is an international Christian disability and development charity delivering healthcare, education, and livelihood programmes for people with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries. The organisation funds and runs eye health initiatives (cataract surgeries, refractive error correction), neglected tropical disease interventions, obstetric fistula treatment, inclusive education support, and emergency relief through local partner organisations. It raises revenue primarily through individual donations, legacy gifts, corporate partnerships, trust and foundation grants, and government matched-funding.
Product overview
CBM UK is a global disability inclusion charity offering charitable programmes and fundraising services rather than a technology product. The organization's portfolio includes eye health programmes (SightQuest Nigeria, Light up Lives, Comprehensive Child Eye Health in Nigeria), Neglected Tropical Disease interventions (CiSKuLA, mhCAP-NTDs), women's health initiatives (Obstetric Fistula Programme), and the Actions for Change partner-led programme in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Kenya. Fundraising offerings include the Childhood Cataracts Appeal, TCS London Marathon places, and Prayer Diary resources. Additional services include a Resource Library of evidence briefs and Advisory Services to help other organizations become disability inclusive. The organization connects with supporters through its website offering online donations via Stripe/PayPal and third-party platforms JustGiving and MuchLoved.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Advisory Services Consultancy services offered by CBM UK's team of experts to support other organisations in becoming more disability inclusive across their programmes and operations.
- SightQuest Nigeria Programme Eye health initiative running 2026-2035 investing €15 million across 14 Nigerian states to strengthen eye care services, conduct cataract surgeries, and address refractive errors.
- Actions for Change Three-year partner-led programme working in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Kenya with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) featuring participatory storytelling, advocacy training, and disability rights initiatives.
- Light up Lives Eye health project in Zimbabwe's Midlands Province that screened 54,101 people, performed 2,557 cataract surgeries, and provided 2,166 spectacles over three years, funded by UK Aid Match at £2.3 million total.
- Comprehensive Child Eye Health in Nigeria (CCEHiN) Eye health project implemented between 2017 and 2020 under the Seeing is Believing initiative, exploring long-term impact of child eye health interventions in Nigeria.
- CiSKuLA Project Project supporting 205 people affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases—primarily Lymphatic Filariasis and Onchocerciasis—through a holistic approach combining integrated healthcare, economic empowerment, and inclusive WASH services.
- mhCAP-NTDs Strengthening Access to Mental Health Care for Persons Affected by NTDs project that tested and evaluated a comprehensive intervention to address the mental health impact of skin Neglected Tropical Diseases.
- Obstetric Fistula Programme Women's health project in Nigeria providing life-changing surgery, rehabilitation, and mental health support for women and girls affected by obstetric fistula, including training of healthcare staff and safer maternity practices.
- Childhood Cataracts Appeal Fundraising appeal focusing on restoring sight for children with treatable cataracts in Nigeria, featuring stories of children like Khadijat, Jamila, and Isah who received sight-saving surgery.
- TCS London Marathon 2027 Charity running event where supporters can secure places to run the London Marathon 2027 to raise funds for CBM UK's work supporting people with disabilities.
Quantifiable outcome
- 829,605 people treated for blinding diseases
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use CBM UK
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
CBM UK technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
CBM UK partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- National Grassroots Disability Organisation (NGDO) - BangladeshcoreOPD partner in Bangladesh for Actions for Change programme. Supports people with disabilities in Cox's Bazar and Dhaka to build resilience to natural disasters and climate shocks through vocational training and advocacy.
- Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN)coreOPD partner in Nepal for Actions for Change programme. Empowers young people with disabilities to understand and exercise their rights to sexual and reproductive health.
- Northern Nomadic Disabled Persons Organisation (NONDO) - KenyacoreOPD partner in Kenya for Actions for Change programme. Advocates for rights, inclusion and participation of people with disabilities from nomadic and pastoralist communities in Kajiado West.
- HelpAge ZimbabwecoreLocal partner implementing the Light up Lives Zimbabwe eye health project in Midlands Province. Project screened 54,101 people, performed 2,557 cataract surgeries, and provided 2,166 spectacles over three years.
- Accountable NowminorCross-sectoral platform of 27 international civil society organisations. CBM is a member and commits to 12 accountability standards including effective management, ethical fundraising, and multi-stakeholder engagement.
- ECWA Eye Hospital (Nigeria)corePartnership with ECWA Eye Hospital in Nigeria to increase access to affordable eye care services and improve quality of life for people living with sight loss.
- Fundraising RegulatorminorUK fundraising regulatory body. CBM UK is a member committed to following the Code of Fundraising Practice standards.
- Inclusive BoardsminorRecruitment partner handling applications for Chair of Trustees position.
- Dr Andrew Blaikie (NHS Consultant)minorAward-winning NHS consultant who trained health workers to use the Arclight device - a low-cost, portable eye screening device.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
CBM UK competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Sightsavers: UK-headquartered international NGO focused on preventing avoidable blindness and supporting people with visual impairments in low- and middle-income countries. Closest direct peer: operates the same eye-health programmes in overlapping geographies (Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh) using the same partner-led delivery model.
- Leonard Cheshire: UK-based international disability charity supporting people with disabilities through education, livelihoods and health programmes in Africa and Asia. Comparable UK-anchored disability NGO with a similar mix of direct programmes and advocacy.
- Sense: UK disability charity supporting people with complex disabilities (including deafblindness) through health, education and social inclusion services. Comparable in mission focus on disability inclusion, though more domestic-UK delivery than CBM UK.
- Orbis International: International eye-health NGO delivering cataract surgery, refractive error services and training via hospital partners, including major operations in Nigeria, Bangladesh and Ethiopia. Direct overlap on eye-health programmatic activity and geographies.
- Humanity & Inclusion (Handicap International): Large international disability NGO delivering inclusive health, rehabilitation, education and emergency response programmes in low-income countries, with active UK fundraising. Overlaps with CBM UK on disability inclusion, NTDs and emergency response.
- Light for the World: International disability and eye-health NGO with a strong eye-care portfolio in Africa and South Asia and an explicit disability-inclusion mandate. Closely comparable mission, geographies and beneficiary population to CBM UK.
- Fred Hollows Foundation: International eye-health NGO focused on ending avoidable blindness through cataract surgery and local capacity building, with active programmes across Africa and South Asia. Same beneficiary population and surgical-delivery model as CBM UK.
Regional players
- Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB): UK-focused sight-loss charity providing services, advocacy and research for blind and partially sighted people in the UK. Shares the eye-health/sight-loss mission with CBM UK but operates almost entirely in the UK rather than low-income countries.
Others
- CBM Global Federation: Parent/sister federation of which CBM UK is a member association. Not a competitor but the umbrella entity within which CBM UK operates, coordinates programmes and shares brand/governance standards.
Emerging players
- Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO): UK-based international development NGO with a growing disability-inclusion portfolio alongside education and health programmes in Africa and Asia. Comparable in UK fundraising structure and developing-country delivery, though broader in scope.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks1 record
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
CBM UK social profiles
Digital presenceCBM UK compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
CBM UK financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CBM UK leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
CBM UK funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CBM UK M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CBM UK
What does CBM UK do?
CBM UK is an international Christian disability and development charity delivering healthcare, education, and livelihood programmes for people with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries. The organisation funds and runs eye health initiatives (cataract surgeries, refractive error correction), neglected tropical disease interventions, obstetric fistula treatment, inclusive education support, and emergency relief through local partner organisations. It raises revenue primarily through individual donations, legacy gifts, corporate partnerships, trust and foundation grants, and government matched-funding.
Is CBM UK a public or private company?
CBM UK is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was CBM UK founded?
CBM UK was founded in 1908. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is CBM UK based?
CBM UK is headquartered in Oakington, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does CBM UK make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are legacy Gifts, corporate Partnerships, trusts and Foundations and government Grants.
Who are CBM UK's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Sightsavers, Leonard Cheshire, Sense, Orbis International, Humanity & Inclusion (Handicap International), Light for the World and Fred Hollows Foundation. Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is listed as a regional player. CBM Global Federation is listed as an others. Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) is listed as an emerging player.
Does CBM UK have an API?
No public API is recorded for CBM UK.
What industry is CBM UK in?
CBM UK's product category is International Disability Inclusion Charity Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAJAKAD, International & Local Implementing NGOs, with a secondary code of BPAGAAAJ, Cash & Voucher Assistance (CVA) and Emergency Livelihood Support. Its NAICS code is 813212 and its SIC code is 8090.