The Charities Aid Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Distribution: £1.13 billion (2024, distributed on behalf of donors)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available (invitation-only programmes)
• Decision Time: Not specified (varies by programme)
• Grant Range: Variable (depends on specific programme)
• Geographic Focus: UK and international

Contact Details

• Website: www.cafonline.org
• Email: companysecretary@cafonline.org
• Phone: 03000 123088
• Address: CAF, 10 St Bride Street, London EC4A 4AD

Overview

Founded in 1974, the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) is a registered UK charity (268369) and was listed by the UK Charity Commission in 2021 as the country's fourth largest charity by income. CAF exists to “make giving go further, so together we can transform lives and communities around the world.” The organization distributed a record £1.132 billion to charities worldwide in its 2023-24 financial year, representing an increase of £108 million from the previous year. CAF operates with a dual approach: running grant programmes on behalf of corporate and individual donors, and designing their own programmes using CAF funds to accelerate social progress. The organization is committed to transparency, working with 360Giving to publish grant information, believing that better information enables more effective strategic decision-making.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Client-managed programmes: Variable amounts across multiple cause areas (UK and international)
• CAF's own programmes: Focused on building organizational resilience
• Application method: Primarily invitation-only; open programmes listed on website when available

Priority Areas

• Building resilience of social purpose organisations
• Supporting charities and social enterprises to strengthen their capacity
• Accelerating social progress through strategic funding
• Providing unrestricted funding with advisory support
• Peer learning and networking opportunities

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed, as most programmes are invitation-only with programme-specific criteria.

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Governance and Leadership

Chief Executive: Neil Heslop OBE (appointed October 2020) - Previously CEO of Leonard Cheshire, with 25 years in business including senior roles in telecoms. Awarded OBE in 2002 for services to British Telecommunications and charity.

New Chair: Sir Edward Braham (appointed from July 2025)

Board Structure: Minimum eight trustees, meeting at least five times annually. Trustees serve three-year terms with a maximum of three consecutive terms. All trustees are non-executive and unpaid.

Leadership Quote: Neil Heslop emphasizes CAF's mission to “help donors give more impactfully and charities build their resilience so they can do more of their life-changing work.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• Most programmes are by invitation only
• Open programmes are listed on the CAF website when available
• Applications must be completed in English with all required documents
• Non-English documents require full translated copies

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly specified and likely vary by programme type and funding source.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available, reflecting the invitation-only nature of most programmes.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly specified and likely vary by individual programme.

Application Success Factors

CAF's Direct Guidance:

• “Grant programmes have clear criteria – read these first”
• “When answering eligibility questionnaires, be as objective as possible”
• "Save time and effort by avoiding programmes that aren't a good fit"
• “Focus on programmes that are suitable rather than applying broadly”

Key Success Elements:

• Organizational resilience: CAF prioritizes building long-term sustainability
• Clear alignment: Strong fit with programme-specific criteria essential
• Complete applications: Missing documents can delay applications or result in rejection
• Strategic approach: Focus on programmes that genuinely match organizational needs

Programme Features: Many CAF programmes include unrestricted funding, tailored advisory support, webinars, and networking opportunities for peer learning.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Invitation-focused approach: Most opportunities are by invitation only - building relationships and visibility in the sector is crucial
• Organizational resilience matters: CAF prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term projects
• Quality over quantity: Focus on programmes that truly fit rather than broad applications
• Complete documentation: Ensure all materials are provided to avoid delays
• Strategic alignment: Demonstrate clear connection to programme goals and CAF's mission of accelerating social progress
• Transparency valued: CAF appreciates organizations that embrace transparency and data sharing
• Professional relationship building: Given the invitation-only model, networking and sector engagement are essential for access

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• Garfield Weston Foundation
• Welsh Government
• National Lottery Heritage Fund
• The Henry Smith Foundation
• Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
• The Arts Council of England
• Trust for London
• The Tudor Trust
• The Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust
• John Ellerman Foundation
• BBC Children in Need
• Kent Community Foundation
• National Lottery
• Financial Times
• Google
• HELP FUND
• THE GERALD MICKLEM CHARITABLE TRUST
• CHAPMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
• STREETS OF LONDON
• SUSTRANS

References

• CAF official website: www.cafonline.org
• UK Charity Commission register entry for charity 268369
• “Record £1.132bn distributed to good causes by CAF in last financial year” - UK Fundraising, September 2024
• CAF annual reports and financial statements 2023-2024
• CAF press releases regarding leadership appointments and strategic updates
• “Neil Heslop appointed next CEO of Charities Aid Foundation” - UK Fundraising, June 2020
• CAF governance and policies documentation