Useful Links

Adventure Capital Fund

The ACF is a unique funding combination of three government departments plus several regional development agencies aimed at investing in organisations that work in and for local communities. The website contains full details of how to apply to the fund, plus case studies and background resources.

Association of Charitable Foundations

The ACF is an independent support organisation for grant-making trusts and foundations of all types in the UK. The website contains details of membership - the fees for which depend on an organisation's size, plus a large amount of background information about legal and financial issues affecting the sector.

Association of Charity Shops

The Association of Charity Shops is a member organisation dedicated to supporting charities who run shops as part of their fundraising activities. The website contains a large amount of information including sign-up details, a charity shop locater, a directory of suppliers and the code of charity retailing.

BIGinvest

BIGinvest is a £3.5 million sustainable loan fund for social enterprises founded by The Big Issue. It is also run as a social enterprise. The website allows users to download an application form, and also contains details of its current loan portfolio.

Capacitybuilders

Capacitybuilders is an arms-length government agency with a mission to secure a high-quality, sustainably-funded infrastructure for frontline voluntary and community organisations. The site contains a link to the ChangeUp programme, managed by Capacitybuilders, and a list of useful links.

Charities Aid Foundation

The CAF works to raise the profile of giving, lobbies for tax breaks and provides various services to charities and donors. Those services include advice for individuals on finding and donating tax efficiently to charities, help with setting up company donation, volunteering and community investment schemes. CAF also offers low-cost banking, financial and training services to charities. Its website contains information on all of these services.

Charities Internal Audit Network

The Charities Internal Audit Network (CIAN) is a free membership organisation for internal auditors or anyone else who has responsibility for internal control or risk management in the voluntary sector. It aims to provide the opportunity to share skills and experience through networking, meetings, workshops and training. Details of all these activities are available on the website.

Charities' Tax Group

The CTG is the leading voice for the third sector on charity taxation, lobbying Government to expand the tax concessions given to charities. The website allows charities to join the 400-strong organisation. It also contains details of the group's events and campaigns, and contains a discussion forum where members can discuss the associated issues.

Charity Bank

Charity bank offers saving and deposit accounts to people with the promise that the money will be used to provide affordable loans for charities and community enterprises. The bank's website includes information on applying for loans and gives general advice on borrowing and risk management.

Charity Finance Directors' Group

The Charity Finance Directors' Group is a membership organisation which specialises in helping charities to manage their accounting, taxation, audit and other finance related functions. The website contains information about training courses, seminars and networking events organised by the CFDG. It also contains details on how to become a member.

Charity Investors' Group

The CIG is a membership organisation intended to create a forum for debate about charity investment. Members include trustees, senior charity professionals and specialist charity investment managers. The website lists upcoming events and minutes of previous events, as well as membership details.

Chartered Institute for Public Finance and Accountancy

CIPFA is a professional accountancy body which specialises in - and sets accountancy standards for - the public sector. Its website contains information about how to join, and a list of e-newsletters about various topics, including one from its charity panel.

Community Development Finance Association

The CDFA is the trade association for Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs). CDFIs are independent financial institutions offering capital and support to help individuals or organisations create wealth in disadvantaged communities or under-served markets. Its website contains lots of information about finding finance, upcoming events and working in the sector. It also contains membership details.

Community Foundation Network

The Community Foundation Network represents the UK community foundation movement in the UK. Community foundations manage funds donated by individuals and organisations wanting to make a genuine difference in their communities. The CFN's website contains much more information for and about such foundations.

Finance Hub

The Finance Hub is one of six national hubs of expertise established under the ChangeUp programme. It aims to increase third sector access to high quality information, advice and support on funding and finance, and use its expertise to influence policy and practice. Its website contain various guides and research documents, as well as details of current projects.

FTSE 4Good Index Series

The FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards, and to facilitate investment in them. The website contains a large amount of information about criteria for inclusion in the index. It also contains a latest news section.

Futurebuilders

Futurebuilders is a government-backed fund offering a combination of loans and grants in order to help voluntary organsations and social enterprises get involved in public service delivery. Its website contains an online application form and information about existing Futurebuilderrs investments.

HM Treasury Charity and Third Sector Finance Unit

The Treasury's Charity and Third Sector Finance Unit is responsible for strategic policy development on third sector issues, bringing together all aspects of tax, spending and financial services policy. Its website contains details on its consultations with the third sector, including calls for evidence. It also contains an archive of publications, speeches and FAQs.

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales is the largest professional accountancy body in Europe. Its website contains information on how to find a chartered accountant, as well as various professional development opportunities.

Neighbourhood Renewal Unit

The NRU is responsible for overseeing the Government's comprehensive neighbourhood renewal strategy, which aims to address local needs and to pilot new ways to fight deprivation in deprived communities. The website contains a lot of information about the programmes, including funding information.

Pensions Trust

The Pensions Trust is one of the leading multi-employer occupational pension schemes for the charitable, social, educational, voluntary and not-for-profit sectors. The website contains detailed information on the trust's services, as well as a useful glossary of pensions terminology.

Scottish Charity Finance Directors Group

The SCFDG is a 140-member-strong organisation for people working in the financial management of voluntary organisations in Scotland, including accountants and other senior financial executives. The website contains details of upcoming events and seminars, as well as a list of contact details for members who have offered their guidance and advice on key issues.

Triodos Bank

Triodos Bank is one of Europe's leading ethical banks, based in The Netherlands, investing in social, environmental and cultural good. It offers a comprehensive range of banking services for social enterprises and charities, as well as a variety of savings accounts for individuals. The website contains information on all of these.