Zoe Bennett, Membership and Engagement Manager, reflects on a year of membership activities and what’s in store for CFG members in the next 12 months…
Charity finance professionals network at CFG's Annual Conference 2022
It’s at this time of year, when our Trustees’ Annual Report is a wrap and our members are renewing their membership, that I reflect on all that we’ve done in the past year – and all the good things yet to come!
I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished as a staff team fewer than 20. Of course, we simply couldn't do what we do without the support and expertise of our members, ambassadors, volunteers, partners, funders and trustees.
There have been many highlights – too many to list – but the one thing they all have in common is the tireless drive and passion of our charity members.
For me, nowhere is this more obvious than within our discussion and special interest groups and at our events.
We’ve seen our groups and events programme go from strength-to-strength, with more members than ever generously taking the time to share their diverse experiences, challenges, and successes with one another.
This really is the magic of what we do and is one of the most valuable parts of being a CFG member.
Thank you!
So, what have we got planned for the coming year?
Quite simply, more connections, more conversations, more learning and more bright ideas!
As we head into a new financial year, the cost of living crisis continues to set a large portion of the agenda. Our online cost of living hub brings together a range of resources, from technical articles from our corporate partners through to where to look for further help.
We are now extending our programmes and services to organisations in Scotland and we’re looking forward to connecting on the issues that matter there too, supporting even more people on their finance journey.
For our medium and smaller charity members, we are further developing our suite of new charity finance guides and we’re growing our networks on and offline too. Every day we’re reminded just how #SmallButMighty our small charity members are!
Our large charities continue to help shape our programmes, set the direction and tone for our vital policy work, and share best practice. Much of this work happens through our Large Charities Discussion Group – expertly led by Alan Sharpe – and the Large Charities Steering Group, but a lot happens through our online networks and corporate partnerships too.
I’m looking forward to seeing another Inspiring Financial Leadership course begin later in the year and, a programme that’s close to my heart, is our Peer Mentoring Scheme, run in partnership with leadership coach Nicki Deeson. This will start again in the autumn, and I can’t wait to support the new cohort on their mentoring journey!
Other highlights that will soon come around – our 2023 Annual Conference: Survive to Thrive. Book your tickets now if you haven’t already! And in October we'll gather together again for our Annual Fundraising Dinner. The proceeds from our fundraising evening go straight back into funding more of our programmes and policy work, and last year we raised a staggering amount, thanks to your incredible generosity!
There’s lots to look out for - and forward to!
Undoubtedly, we all face another tough year, but I’m looking forward to welcoming more charitable organisations into membership and growing our reach. Don’t forget – your charity membership extends to everyone in your organisation, not just the finance team!
Together, we not only inspire great financial leadership for our organisations, but strengthen other charities, communities, and wider sector too. The best bit about my job? Hearing your stories about how the CFG community enables you and your charity to boost impact.
So, one last thing to mention… Please look out for a membership survey coming your way this year. I know we’re all suffering from survey fatigue, but we truly value your feedback and ideas. Please take this opportunity to tell us about how CFG benefits you – and what we can do better.
We can’t do this all this without you!
If you have any questions about your CFG membership or would like to chat about how you can make the most of membership, please get in touch with the team.
Not yet a member? Join us and discover for yourself how the CFG community is inspiring financial excellence in charitable and voluntary organisations!
In other news...
The CFG team would like to congratulate Zoe on her recent promotion to the role of Membership and Engagement Manager. Well done, Zoe!