Welcome to the ACO

The Association of Charitable Organisations (formerly Association of Charity Officers) was founded in 1946 and is the national UK umbrella body for Trusts and Foundations that give grants and welfare support to individuals in need.

The funds managed by ACO members are discretionary, and seek to compliment and enhance welfare support provided by local and central government. Our members operate in the UK and across the globe. Over the last few years many funds have reviewed their operations, researching patterns of need and developing more strategic programmes of assistance.

ACO provides support to its members through:

Networking: building peer networks providing opportunities for members to share, and get advice and support;
Raising standards: promoting good practice, tackling problems together and offering solutions;
Lobbying and campaigning: giving our members a voice by responding to government consultations and raising awareness about the work of our member organisations;
Information; providing members with up to date information tailored to their specific interests through a monthly newsletter, policy briefings;
On line services: such as websites and member forums proving opportunities to seek and share advice and experience.

ACO Network Events in 2017

ACO Grant Making Forum South and Under Fives meetings

Thursday 30th November

The next ACO Grant Making Forum South and Under Fives meeting takes place on Thursday 30th November at the British Dental Association, 64 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8YS from 11am-1pm (GMF) and 1.30-3.30pm (Under Fives).

Entrance is free to ACO charity members. All GMF meetings are followed at 1.30-3.30pm by the ever popular Under Fives meeting for solo workers and members of small teams.

Speaker:

TBA

We are grateful to BDABF for supporting these events

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Latest News

ACO website development

September 2017

As part of the new ACO operational plan we are working on some changes to our website, including a new look and revised navigation system.

Member Spotlight: Smallwood Trust

August 2017

This month we feature our ACO member Smallwood Trust - a new name and strategy for the Society for the Assistance of Ladies in Reduced Circumstances. Their strategy: “Enabling women to be financially resilient”

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