Member networks 

ACF networks provide members with an opportunity to connect with colleagues, discuss a variety of topics and share best practice and learning.

Our 15 member-led networks meet online to discuss relevant topics of interest. All staff in member organisations are welcome to attend, free of charge. You do not have to be subscribed to a network to attend a meeting. Simply search for an upcoming meeting that interests you and register.

ACF members can subscribe to receive meeting notifications from any number of networks by logging into their account to manage network subscriptions.

Find a network meeting    Access member networks    2024 networks survey 

Member-led networks

Asylum, refugee and migration

For ACF members who are already funding or exploring the possibility of funding asylum, refugee and migration projects and programmes. Access this network (members only).

Children and young people

For ACF members who are already funding or exploring the possibility of funding work with children and young people. The network enables the sharing of information and practice in this area of funding. Access this network (members only).

Corporate foundations

For ACF members of trusts and foundations that are linked with a company, co-operative or other business. The network meets four times a year and provides an opportunity to meet with peers to compare experiences, and explore issues with others addressing the same questions. Access this network (members only).

 

Criminal justice

For ACF members that fund work in criminal justice to share information and practice. The network meets up to three times a year. Access this network (members only).

Economic justice

For ACF members that are interested in understanding the links between the economy and the social challenges the philanthropy sector in the UK faces. The network meets three times a year. Access this network (members only).

Family foundations

For ACF members who represent family trusts and foundations. This network provides an opportunity to meet with peers, explore common issues, learn and share best practice. This network will meet up to three times a year. Access this network (members only).

Housing and homelessness

For ACF members who are already funding or exploring the possibility of funding housing and homelessness projects and programmes.. This network provides an opportunity to meet with peers, explore common issues, learn and share best practice. This network will meet up to three times a year. Access this network (members only).

International funders

For ACF members who are already funding or exploring the possibility of funding internationally. The network enables the sharing of information and practice in this area of funding. It meets twice a year to consider topics chosen by members of the network. Access this network (members only).

 

Mental health

For ACF members who are working in projects involving mental health as a theme regardless of it being related to children, young people or adults mental health. Access this network (members only).

Evidence and learning

For those funders who are interested in current thinking about evidence and learning, and reflecting upon their own practices. Access this network (members only).

Northern Ireland

For ACF members that fund or are interested in funding work in Northern Ireland. The network enables the sharing of information and practice in this area of funding. Access this network (members only).

 

Place based funding

For ACF members who fund and work in 'place', be it: rural, city-wide, town or ward level. Access this network (members only).

Smaller funders'

For ACF members who are individuals that administer one or more trusts of any size on their own and for trusts and foundations giving less than £500,000 a year. This network may also be relevant to larger foundations with limited staff capacity or very restricted areas of funding. Access this network (members only).

Tackling poverty

For ACF members who would like to be involved in considering what role foundations can play in tackling poverty. Access this network (members only).

 

Violence against women and girls

For ACF members who are already funding or exploring the possibility of funding work in domestic abuse and related areas. The network enables members to share information and practice in this area of funding, meeting twice a year to consider topics chosen by members of the network. Access this network (members only).

Information about the Social Impact Investors Group (SIIG) and the Finance, investment, resources management group can be found in Special interest groups

 

How can members get involved?

1. Come along to a network meeting

  • All staff working in an ACF member organisation are welcome to attend any number of network meetings throughout the year. All online meetings are free of charge and you do not need to be subscribed to a network to attend a meeting
  • Each network will hold two or three meetings per year. The meetings will provide a space for members to discuss topical issues and hear from experts in the field
  • To view dates and book, go to the Events Listing page.
2. Subscribe online
  • Subscribe to one or more of the networks listed above to receive meeting updates, post notices and connect with other members of the network
  • To subscribe: Login here to view a list of ACF networks. Select a relevant network and click on 'Follow community' to subscribe.
  • You can update your network subscriptions at any time through the 'My Participation' tab in your account.