Funding practices resources

Most foundations work towards their missions by funding others. The ways in which they distribute funds are central to their impact. These resources can help foundations to strengthen their funding practices. 


Funding practice guides

Our funding practice guides are based on the pillars of stronger funding practice developed through our Stronger Foundations programme.

Each guide includes practical ideas, examples and recommended resources to help take your foundation take its next steps.

ACF members can access the following guides (login required):

ACF members and non-members can access:

Funding practices case studies

Members can read case studies exploring some of the ways foundations are working towards the pillars of stronger funding practices (login required):

Assess your foundation's funding practices

Members can access our Stronger Foundations self-assessment tools, including a dedicated funding practices tool (login required).

This can help you reflect on your current funding practices and prioritise areas where you might make further progress.

Other funding practices resources

 

Rising demand for funding: Key considerations and good practice for foundations 

Rising demand for funding is placing significant strain on many foundations’ operating models. This members only resource provides an overview of how ACF members are experiencing the rise in demand and explores a range of approaches that are helping them to adapt and respond. It highlights key questions for foundations to consider as they navigate these challenges.

November 2024

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Foundation operating costs

This framework examines the factors for foundations to consider when determining an appropriate level of operating costs for their own organisation.

June 2022 

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Safeguarding framework for foundations
This framework is designed to help foundations to consider their own internal practices and integrate safeguarding within their funding cycle.

March 2021

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Tackling Grant Fraud
A guide to help foundations deter and detect fraud.

May 2020

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Serious incident reporting for foundations
This briefing summarises the regulatory regime for reporting serious incidents.

December 2019

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Firm Foundations: Setting your grant-making strategy
How to create a grant-making strategy that is right for the particular circumstances of your foundation.

 

November 2017

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Developing decision making processes and tools
Here we look at the different approaches to managing our application and decision making processes.

November 2017

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Assessing and selecting
Here we look at making a good assessment and using it to support grant decisions which are consistent and well informed.

November 2017

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Promoting our priorities and how to apply
How to promote our foundation’s programmes and priorities to potential applicants.

November 2017

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Good Practice Guide for Corporate Foundations
A guide for those interested in the establishment and ongoing effectiveness of corporate foundations.

November 2016

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Funders’ Principles and Drivers of Good Impact Practice
This framework is designed to encourage good impact practice and to offer practical and useful guidance for funders.

June 2013

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Spending Out - Making it Happen
This guide focuses on the practicalities of spending out and is targeted at foundations which have decided this is the path for them.

October 2012

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Spending Out: learning lessons from time-limited grant-making
Provides guidance for trustees of charitable foundations which draws in particular on the experiences of foundations with a limited life span.

February 2010

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