Our work, our impact
Creating the conditions for charities to thrive
Charities and social purpose organisations operate in an environment shaped by policy, regulation, funding and economic change.
Decisions made by government, regulators, funders and others have a direct impact on how organisations manage resources, support communities and deliver their missions. That's why CFG works beyond individual organisations.
Through policy engagement, campaigns, research, consultation responses and thought leadership, we help ensure the voice of the sector is heard, understood and reflected in the decisions that affect it.
Our aim is simple: stronger organisations, better decisions and greater impact.
Why this work matters
Good policy doesn't just affect finance teams. It affects an organisation's ability to recruit staff, recover costs, claim tax reliefs, comply with regulation, secure funding and plan for the future.
When government announces a Budget, undertakes a Spending Review, consults on regulation or changes the rules affecting charities, the consequences are felt across the sector. CFG works to ensure those decisions are informed by the realities charities face every day.
By bringing together insight from members and the wider sector, we help decision-makers better understand the challenges, opportunities and unintended consequences their decisions may create.
How we influence change
Listening to the sector
Our work starts with the experiences of charities. Through research, surveys, roundtables, member networks and direct engagement, we identify the issues that matter most and gather evidence about the challenges organisations face.
Bringing people together
We convene charities, corporate partners, policymakers, regulators, funders and sector leaders to share expertise, challenge assumptions and develop practical solutions.
By creating space for dialogue and collaboration, we build understanding across and beyond the sector.
Influencing decisions
We engage with government departments, parliamentarians, regulators and standard-setters on issues affecting charity finance and organisational sustainability.
This includes contributing to consultations, responding to policy proposals, helping shape regulatory developments and ensuring that charities are represented in conversations that will affect their future.
Our core work spans areas including:
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Banking and financial services
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Charity accounting and SORP
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Gift Aid
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Public policy affecting charities and social purpose organisations
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Economic developments including Budgets and Spending Reviews
From influence to action
Influencing policy is only part of the picture, we also help organisations understand what changes mean in practice. The insight generated through our policy and campaigns work directly informs the resources and support we provide across CFG.
Events and trainings
Our events, conferences, webinars and learning programmes help members understand emerging developments, prepare for change and build practical skills.
Knowledge Hub
We translate complex policy, regulatory and economic developments into practical guidance, analysis and tools that organisations can use.
News and updates
We share briefings, commentary and expert insight on the issues shaping charity finance and leadership.
Together, these resources help organisations make informed decisions and prepare for what's next.
Frequently asked questions
Policy, regulation and funding decisions have a direct impact on charities' ability to achieve their missions. We work to ensure those decisions are informed by the realities charitable organisations face.
Our priorities are informed by members, sector engagement, research, consultations and emerging developments affecting charities and social purpose organisations.
We respond to consultations, participate in working groups, regularly engage directly with officials and policymakers, convene sector discussions and provide evidence and insight on behalf of members and the wider sector.
Yes – we invite you to! Members contribute through consultations, surveys, roundtables and events, and specialist networks which help inform CFG's positions and recommendations.
Through CFG's Knowledge Hub, events and training programme, newsletters, briefings and news updates. We run quarterly Policy Updates online. We invite you to join our next update webinar to find out more about our work.
Further reading
Civil Society Covenant explained
The Civil Society Covenant was published on 17 July 2025. This sets out a new vision for how government and civil society should work together. Ida Karlsson explains what it says, what it could mean in practice, how CFG views the commitments, and what needs to happen next.
Spotlighting the importance of Gift Aid
On Gift Aid Awareness Day, CFG member Carol Corney-Brotherston, Head of Finance at RNOH Charity, talks about the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) Trust's incredible work and why Gift Aid is vital to its patients.
SORP FAQs: what you need to know, part one
RSM recently held a webinar, alongside CFG’s Head of Policy, Richard Sagar, covering changes in the new SORP. As you might imagine, there were lots of questions from attendees about what the new SORP means in practice, from income recognition and tiered reporting to new requirements about leases. This two-part article includes RSM’s detailed responses to those questions, and offers practical insight to help your organisation get ready for the changes.