Strategy and governance resources

Good governance and an effective strategy are central to how foundations maximise their potential for social good. These resources can help foundations to reflect on and continuously improve their strategy and governance practices.

Strategy and governance: the pillars of stronger foundation practice

Download our report, which sets out seven pillars of stronger strategy and governance practice that all foundations can work towards.

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Understanding your external context

Our new guide for ACF members (login required) explores how foundations can strengthen their strategy and governance practice by understanding their external context.

Strategy and governance case studies

Members can read case studies exploring some of the ways foundations are putting the strategy and governance pillars into practice (login required):

Creating a board shadowing programme (Smallwood Trust)
Reviewing and refreshing a strategic framework (Bromley Trust)
Involving stakeholders in strategy development (The Rayne Foundation)
Developing the organisation's first strategy (Walcot Foundation)

Assess your foundation's strategy and governance practice

Members can access our Stronger Foundations self-assessment tool, including a dedicated strategy and governance tool (login required).

This can help you reflect on your current strategy and governance practice and prioritise areas where you might make further progress.

Other strategy and governance resources


	Rising demand: key considerations for foundation trustees Rising demand for funding is putting many foundations under considerable strain. This members-only guide explores a range of approaches that foundation boards can consider as they navigate and respond to these challenges. It is accompanied by a practical tool to help foundation boards take stock of what you are already doing and identify areas where you might consider further action. September 2025 View details (Members only)
	Funder collaboration - a guide for trustees and staff of charitable foundations Foundations are increasingly interested in collaborating with others to increase their impact. Foundation staff and trustees can each play important roles in making the most of collaboration opportunities. This members only resource provides an overview of the main types of funder collaboration, their potential benefits, and practical tips from foundation chairs on how boards and staff teams can overcome common challenges. November 2024 View details (Members only)
	Survey of Charitable Funders’ Views of Accounts prepared under the Charities SORP The Charities SORP (Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice) is a fundamental document in the preparation on charity reports and accounts. December 2020 View details
	The Awareness and Effectiveness of Charity Trustees in Grant-making in England and Wales Research and analysis of grant-making foundation trustees’ perceptions of their role and responsibilities as trustees. June 2018 View details

	The Governance & Financial Management of Endowed Charitable Foundations This report highlights how a charitable purpose should be central in a foundation’s self-perception January 2012 View details

Strategy and governance resources

Good governance and an effective strategy are central to how foundations maximise their potential for social good. These resources can help foundations to reflect on and continuously improve their strategy and governance practices.

Strategy and governance: the pillars of stronger foundation practice

Understanding your external context

Strategy and governance case studies

Assess your foundation's strategy and governance practice

Other strategy and governance resources

Rising demand: key considerations for foundation trustees

Funder collaboration - a guide for trustees and staff of charitable foundations

Find more resources on the Common Reporting Standard and General Data Protection Regulation.

Stronger Foundations case studies

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