Online event
Join us for a practical online conference exploring the future of charity income generation. As charities face increasing financial pressure and a changing fundraising landscape, organisations are looking for new and sustainable ways to diversify income, engage supporters, and build long-term resilience.
Whether you work in finance, fundraising, leadership, or operations, this conference will provide valuable insight into how charities can adapt, innovate, and create more sustainable income streams for the future.
Why should I attend?
Please see the full programme below, but as a summary we will be covering:
- Philanthropy and diversifying charity income
- Earned income and social enterprise: What charities can realistically sell in 2026
- Making charity savings easier: Turning savings into progress
- Digital and influencer fundraising
- The next generation of giving: Engaging tomorrow's supporters
When and where?
- Tuesday 20 October
- 09:30-16:00
- Location: Online via Zoom Events
How do I book?
Book below. You'll receive updated event information approximately one week prior to the event date.
If you are a corporate partner and would like to attend, please contact us at events@cfg.org.uk. Tickets are priced at £359 for our members.
Who should attend?
This event is appropriate for whole finance departments, fundraising, leadership, and operations teams.
About CFG events and membership
Becoming a CFG member gives you access to exclusive benefits including event discounts, so find out more about CFG Membership before you book. Association of Independent Museums members can register for free CFG membership through our partnership.
CFG events, training and members' meetings can count towards your continuous professional development (CPD), and this event could provide you with 5 hours of CPD. For more details contact your association or email events@cfg.org.uk.
Programme
| 09:30-09:35 | Chair's welcome |
| 09:35-10:20 |
Philanthropy and diversifying charity income As traditional funding becomes more challenging, charities are looking at new ways to create stable and sustainable income. This session will explore how philanthropy, including major donors and trusts, can help charities diversify their income, improve long-term financial planning, and build greater resilience for the future. Diccon Thornely, Audit Partner, HW Fisher Sujit Peris, charity sector consultant |
| 10:20-10:35 | Coffee break |
| 10:35-11:20 |
Earned income and social enterprise: What charities can realistically sell in 2026 Many charities are exploring new ways to generate income beyond fundraising and grants. This session will look at how charities can earn income through services, training, digital products, partnerships, and trading activities, while staying true to their mission. We’ll discuss practical ideas, risks to consider, and real examples of charities successfully creating new income streams. Lewis Bowman, Director of Finance and Resources, St John's Ambulance |
| 11:20-11:35 | Coffee break |
| 11:35-12:20 |
Fundraising Benchmarks 2026: What the data tells us and what comes next AAW Group will share findings from the 2026 Fundraising Benchmarks, produced in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. The session will explore what the latest data tells us about fundraising income, investment, performance and resourcing across UK charities, with a particular focus on the insights most relevant to finance professionals. We will also look ahead to the 2027 benchmarking campaign, reflecting on how the research can provide useful evidence for financial planning, decision-making and understanding fundraising performance. He’ll explain what participation involves and why taking part in the 2027 research will help build a stronger, more useful evidence base for the sector. Tobin Aldrich, Principal Partner, AAW Group |
| 12:20-13:45 | Lunch break |
| 13:45-14:30 |
Hitting the bullseye with your corporate fundraising strategy We all know how difficult winning corporate partnerships is. We know the time it takes to research, find, email, call, get ghosted, get promised, get let down, get the email saying it’s going to happen, then it doesn’t, and then starting all over again. It’s tiring, time consuming and ultimately not productive. This presentation is about feeling that pain a little, sharing stories of learning and then, ultimately, supporting you to cultivate relationships you should get. Barrie Hodges, Director of Income Generation and Value Capture, St Basils |
| 14:30-14:45 | Coffee break |
| 14:45-15:30 |
The next generation of giving: Engaging tomorrow’s supporters How younger generations choose to support charities is changing rapidly. In this interactive panel, charity fundraising experts will discuss the latest trends in digital giving, donor behaviour, and online payments, and share practical ways charities can make donating easier, build trust, and connect with the next generation of supporters. Ben Black, National Donation Development Manager, RNLI |
| 15:30-15:45 | Chair's summary and close of conference |
20/10/2026
09:30 - 15:45
5.00 CPD Approved