Sponsored content: investment options for voluntary organisations
At CAF, we understand the financial pressures facing small and medium-sized charities and social enterprises across Scotland.
Rising costs, fluctuating income, and growing demand for services mean that every pound must work harder. Traditionally, many organisations have relied on cash reserves to manage their finances, but with inflation and interest rates shifting, cash alone may no longer be the most effective strategy.
That’s why more charities are beginning to explore investment as a way to support their long-term goals. Investing does not mean abandoning caution, it means considering how your reserves can work harder for your mission.
Our recently published articles, Investment Planning: Is Your Charity Ready for the Future? and Six Questions for a Charity to Ask When Investing for the First Time, highlight a growing interest in equities and other investment options. These resources encourage charities to think strategically about their financial future, asking questions like: what are we trying to achieve? What level of risk is acceptable? How do our values shape our investment and deposit choices?
For those considering investing for the first time, we know the journey can feel complex. That is why we created the CAF Charity Guide to Investing, a free, practical resource designed to demystify the process and help charities make informed decisions.
The guide covers:
- A clear overview of different investment types and the risks involved.
- How to prepare trustees and boards for investment decisions.
- An introduction to sustainable and ESG investing.
- Real-world examples of charities using investments to support their mission.
Whether you are a finance lead, trustee or senior manager, our guide is designed to support you at every stage, from initial conversations to building a resilient, values-driven investment strategy.
We have seen first-hand how investing can help charities grow their impact. For example, the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team chose to invest in CAF’s ESG funds to secure essential equipment for their life-saving work.
Their story is just one example of how thoughtful investing can support long-term sustainability.
If your organisation is thinking about investing for the first time, now is a good moment to start the conversation. With the right guidance, investing can become a powerful tool to help your charity grow, adapt, and thrive.
Download CAF’s Charity Guide to Investing today and take the first step towards a more confident financial future. Download the guide
