About · Association of Charitable Foundations

Strengthening the sector, together.

01 — Who we are

The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) is the leading membership association for foundations and independent grant-makers in the UK. We strengthen trusts and foundations so they can rise to the challenges of our times.

“We strengthen trusts and foundations so they can rise to the challenges of our times.”

Our vision is diverse, vibrant and effective foundations, working together for social good. We connect grant-makers to one another, distil the sector's shared knowledge into practical guidance, and give foundations the collective voice and confidence to act on the issues that matter.

From research and briefings to peer networks and parliamentary engagement, everything we do exists to help members give better — and to make the whole of UK philanthropy more effective than the sum of its parts.

Members convening across the sector

What we do for members.

02 — Programmes

Three connected strands of work — evidence, learning and collective action — that carry a foundation from insight to impact.

Research & Resources

ACF produces in-depth case studies, member briefings and sector surveys to guide foundations in best practice and strategic decision-making — turning shared experience into evidence others can build on.

Case studiesMember briefingsSector surveys

Events & Learning

Member networks, special interest groups, investment seminars and parliamentary engagement provide ongoing peer learning and sector influence — spaces where grant-makers sharpen practice and speak with one voice.

Member networksSpecial interest groupsInvestment seminarsParliamentary engagement

Climate & Social Action

The Funder Commitment on Climate Change and Stronger Foundations case studies showcase member-led initiatives addressing climate, housing and social justice — proof of what foundations achieve when they align behind a cause.

Funder Commitment on Climate ChangeStronger Foundations

What we stand for.

03 — Our values

Value 01

Effective Learning

ACF powers the sector through research, evidence and shared knowledge to guide better giving.

Value 02

Collective Action

Stronger outcomes happen when foundations collaborate across networks and initiatives.

Value 03

Climate Leadership

ACF champions the Funder Commitment on Climate Change, uniting foundations for environmental and social good.

How membership works.

04 — Our approach

Learn from the evidence

Members draw on ACF's research, case studies and briefings to ground their giving in what actually works.

Connect through networks

Peer networks, special interest groups and seminars put grant-makers in the room with others facing the same questions.

Act together on the challenges of our times

Through initiatives like the Funder Commitment on Climate Change, foundations move from insight to shared, collective action.

Talk to ACF.

06 — Get in touch

Join a sector building better philanthropy.

Whether you're a trustee, a grant-making leader or a philanthropic investor, ACF connects you to the guidance and peers that make giving more effective.

Become a member Email the team

Address

Toynbee Hall, 28 Commercial Street,
London E1 6LS

acf@acf.org.uk

A membership body for effective foundations.