Voluntary Sector Information and Industry Bodies

The Institute of Fundraising is the professional body for UK fundraisers, and seeks to ensure the highest standards in fundraising practice and management are maintained. The site includes information on all aspects of fundraising, including help and advice, codes of fundraising practice and legalities.

Homepage of the Charity Commission, the regulator and registrar for charities in England and Wales. Includes help, guidance and information for registered charities, information on registering as a charity, and the facility to search all registered charities. A wide range of leaflets and publications on every aspect of Charity Management, including the law.

Professional Fundraising Online aims to be the largest on-line resource for fundraisers in the UK. The website includes useful links to external funding resources.

Charitynet is a dedicated charity information site, which offers access to non-profit related resources, information and knowledge, as well as quick links to the sites of non-profit organisations around the globe. It can be used as a tool for research, fundraising and networking. Membership provides additional benefits.

VolResource aims to make it quick and easy to get to useful information on anything to do with running a voluntary organisation (whether a community group, charity or other non-profit body). Provides the facility to search a database of registered charities. Subscription required for more detailed charity information.

The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) is a not-for-profit organisation committed to effective giving, working to raise the profile of giving, lobbying for tax breaks and seeking to provide an increasing portfolio of services to charities and their supporters. "CAF is a charity with a unique purpose: to do all in its power to ensure that charitable giving to all charities is as robust and effective as it can possibly be."

The National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) is a growing network of 360 Councils for Voluntary Organisations throughout England. Through supporting member CVOs and acting as a national voice for the local voluntary and community sector, NAVCA helps to promote volunteering and community services. (NAVCA was previously known as The National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service; NACVS).

The homepage of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO); an organisation for senior executives of charities, voluntary and not for profit organisations, which has played an important role in modernising and professionalising the third sector. ACEVO aims to increase the effectiveness of the voluntary sector and members represent a cross-section of voluntary sector activity, ranging from animal welfare to elderly people and the environment. The website provides further details and information on becoming a member of ACEVO.

The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certifies fundraising professionals who demonstrate knowledge, competence and commitment to the highest standards of ethical and professional practice. CFRE is an internationally recognised qualification of fundraising competence and experience. Full details can be found on the CFRE website.

Search for UK wide charity and fundraising jobs in the not for profit sector, ranging from CEO positions to UK fundraising jobs and administrative posts.

The National Centre for Volunteering (Volunteer England) seeks to promote and encourage volunteering as a powerful force for change, both for those who donate their time to volunteer and for the wider community. The Volunteering England website offers useful information and a range of resources for anyone involved with volunteering at any level.

Voluntary Sector Umbrella Organisations

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) is the umbrella body for the voluntary sector in England. Services provided to support the voluntary sector include a freephone help desk, events and a wide range of publications, including the Voluntary Sector magazine (available by subscription).

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is the national body representing the voluntary sector in Scotland, seeking to encourage cooperation and advance the values of the voluntary sector. Services include free E-mail bulletin daily.

Wales Council for Voluntary Action is the voice of the voluntary sector in Wales, providing advice, guidance and support on all aspects of European funding. Subscription is required for full access to the website, or alternatively a free e-membership scheme is offered, providing a funding update through email every fortnight. Visit the website for more details.

Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action is the umbrella body for voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland, campaigning on their behalf. Services include funding and fundraising advice, in addition to 2 email bulletins (eNews and Research Update), to keep up to date with activities in Northern Ireland's voluntary and community sector.