Join ACF and Sayer Vincent for a practical in-person workshop designed to help trusts and foundations understand how to read and interpret applicants’ accounts, identify key risks and build confidence in financial due diligence.
Understanding applicants’ financial information is a key aspect of responsible grant-making.
For trusts and foundations, this is not only about interpreting figures in isolation, but about understanding how financial data reflects an organisation’s health, sustainability and ability to deliver impact.
This essential and popular introductory workshop will support participants to build confidence in reading and interpreting statutory accounts. It will explore the legal and accounting frameworks charities operate within, and highlight the key issues to consider when assessing financial information as part of decision-making.
The session will cover how different financial statements relate to one another, what they reveal about an organisation’s position, and where potential risks or warning signs may arise. Through a mix of guided learning, practical activities and discussion, participants will have the opportunity to apply concepts and deepen their understanding.
Delivered with Sayer Vincent, the workshop will combine technical insight with practical application, helping participants connect financial analysis to the realities of grant-making. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to confidently assess applicants’ accounts and use financial information to support stronger funding decisions.
Why attend?
- Understand the legal and accounting framework for charity accounts
- Build confidence in interpreting key financial statements and terminology
- Learn how income and expenditure, statements of financial activities and balance sheets connect
- Identify key indicators and potential warning signs in accounts
- Strengthen your organisation’s financial due diligence processes
- Learn through practical exercises and peer discussion
Who should attend?
This workshop is designed for grant-making foundations at an introductory level. It will be particularly relevant for grants managers, programme staff, finance teams, and anyone involved in assessing applications or making funding decisions
Speaker
Event details
Date: Thursday 3 September 2026
Time: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Format: In-person
Location: Central London venue to be confirmed
Level: Introductory
Price for ACF members: £175
Price for non-members: £485 - non-members are welcome to attend this event if they meet the criteria for ACF membership.
ACF spaces bring together our wonderful and diverse community, and our intention is to create an atmosphere that is both inclusive and respectful. We are also committed to making this event accessible to everyone.
You can find out more about our Principles of engagement
here.
Please get in touch if you have any additional access needs when registering:
[email protected]
Reading applicants’ accounts is a vital skill for effective grant-making. Book your place now to build your confidence, strengthen your financial analysis skills and make more informed funding decisions.