In a sector built on service and solidarity, it’s striking how many decisions are still made at the top. But this week, Matt Hyde, CEO of Lloyds Bank Foundation, issued a bold challenge to the UK’s largest charities: change how you work or risk becoming irrelevant. Speaking at a Civil Society Futures conference, Hyde argued […]
Should charity trustees be paid? It’s time for an informed, honest debate
The question of trustee pay is one that regularly stirs deep (and often divided) opinion in the charity sector. For many, it touches a nerve: raising issues of values, trust, financial stewardship, and equity. In a recent column for Civil Society, journalist and sector commentator Tania Mason argues that the debate has been clouded by […]
Who gives what? What the UK’s generosity gap reveals about place, power and philanthropy
New research from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has highlighted a striking trend: the UK’s wealthiest areas aren’t always its most generous. In fact, the most generous parliamentary constituency in the country, measured by Gift Aid donations as a share of income, isn’t in the capital, the Cotswolds, or the Home Counties. It’s Sheffield Hallam, […]
How Fundin supports Hilltop Circle in empowering youth and strengthening community
Hilltop Circle is a youth-led charity based in Brent, North West London. Since its founding in 2005, the organisation has supported children, young people, and families facing social and economic disadvantage. Their work spans youth mentoring, employability training, community safety initiatives and family support programmes, delivered in collaboration with local schools, charities, statutory services, and […]
Who runs charities? The public isn’t sure, and that’s a problem
A recent study by nfpResearch has revealed a significant gap in public understanding of charity governance. Only 15% of the UK public correctly identify trustees as responsible for the direction and strategy of individual charities. In contrast, 34% believe the Charity Commission holds this responsibility, while 21% think it’s the government’s role. Why this matters […]
The funding crisis in criminal justice charities: a call for equitable support
A recent report by NPC, commissioned by the Lloyds Bank Foundation, has highlighted a significant disparity in the funding landscape for criminal justice charities. The research reveals that 94% of statutory funding in this sector is allocated to large charities with annual incomes exceeding £2 million, leaving smaller organisations with less than 2% of such […]
The hidden impact of anti-immigration politics on charities and care
The UK is facing a pivotal moment in its approach to immigration. Recent political rhetoric, including a headline-grabbing speech by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has struck a tough tone on migration, one that critics say echoes the far right. As politicians compete to sound “tough” on immigration, there’s a hidden cost often overlooked: the damage […]
What the new fundraising code means for charities and how to get ready
The Fundraising Regulator has released a major update to the Code of Fundraising Practice, set to take effect on November 1st 2025. This overhaul is the first significant revision since 2019 and aims to modernise fundraising standards to reflect today’s digital-first, donor-conscious environment. For charities and fundraisers, this is more than just a compliance update, […]
Trusting charities to lead: a new approach to grantmaking
The Benefact Group has introduced a novel grantmaking initiative that empowers charities to select subsequent recipients of funding. This “pay-it-forward” model begins with five charities each receiving an unrestricted £2,000 grant. These initial recipients then nominate the next five charities to receive grants, continuing the cycle until 25 organisations have been funded. This approach shifts […]
11,000 applications isn’t a success. It’s a warning sign.
Recently, a corporate foundation launched a new funding round and proudly shared a stat they seemed genuinely proud of: 11,000 applications received in the last round. At first glance, it sounds impressive. Look how much interest they generated! But dig a little deeper, and it tells a different story. Out of those 11,000 applications, just […]