National VCS Organisations to Know

Whether you are looking for information, training or tools, these are the top national VCS organisations to get to know. If you think an organisation that should be on this list is missing, please contact us to let us know!

Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO)

Provides networking, advocacy and skill building opportunities for leaders of charity and social enterprise organisations across England and Wales. Website includes a podcast, reports and publications.

Charities Aid Foundation (CAF)

Provides services and assistance to UK and international charities and their donors, and promotes general donation to charities.

The Charity Commission

National government body responsible for registering and regulating charities in England and Wales.

Civil Society Media

Media outlet supporting third sector with news, training, events and publications.

The Community Fund (National Lottery)

A source of funding for over 8,100 organisations just during the 2019/20 financial year, this is an important site for all members to be aware of.

Directory of Social Change (DSC)

Provides training courses, publications, online funding databases, research, conferences, a bookshop and lots of free resources on their website such as top tips and best-practice articles. 

National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA)

National membership body specifically for local sector support and development organisations (also known as local infrastructure) in England.

National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)

National membership body supporting and advocating on behalf of the voluntary and community sector.

New Philanthropy Capital (NPC)

National charity think tank and consultancy. They produce a number of useful reports and other resources.

Small Charities Data

A research hub that brings together research on small charities (defined as those with income under £1m per year).