David Ainsworth's round-up of what's happening in the finance world
Socially responsible investment is both legally permissible and financially effective for charities, according to new guidance released by the Charity Finance Directors' Group. Unlocking Socially Responsible Investment, which will be published on 2 March, explains how charities can develop SRI policies. It is based partly on a survey carried out last year by the CFDG and ethical investment charity the Eiris Foundation.
The time limit for charities to claim Gift Aid on donations will shortly be cut from six years to four, HM Revenue & Customs has said. Applications for Gift Aid of donations made before 5 April 2006 must now be made by 5 April 2010. The previous time limit was 31 January 2012.
Prospective social entrepreneurs will have the chance to win a two-hour mentoring session with one of 28 social enterprise ambassadors funded by the Office of the Third Sector, part of the Cabinet Office (above), to raise the profile of social enterprise. The offer is open to any individual or organisation running a social enterprise or intending to start one. Visit socialenterpriseambassadors.org.uk/competition.
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