Charities Aid Foundation handed out more than £1.43bn to charities on behalf of businesses and philanthropists over the last financial year.

This record amount is an increase on the previous year’s figure of £1.2bn, which was previously its highest total, according to CAF’s latest trustees report.

Its latest figures also show that donations received by CAF totalled £1.65bn during 2025/26, up from £1.34bn the previous year.

“The role that CAF plays in inspiring donors and organisations to give more strategically and sustainably is increasingly important as charities face a more challenging operating environment,” said CAF interim chief executive Caroline Siarkeiwicz.

“We see first-hand the value that philanthropic funding can achieve and the impact that more strategic philanthropy can have.

“We are grateful for the continuing support of our donors, the dedication of our teams, and the commitment of those in the sector to furthering positive impact.”

Net zero commitments

The report also highlights CAF’s commitment to be net zero across its operations, including its CAF Bank, by 2050.

During the year it reached its target to rely on renewable energy only for its UK operations, that included its headquarters in Kent transitioning to a fully renewable energy tariff.

“This aligns with our London office, which has operated with 100% renewable energy since 2023, it said.

Also this year CAF installed 93 solar panels at the Kent site where around a third of its electricity use is from solar power.

“Combined with the fitting of two eco-friendly heating systems, these changes have contributed to CAF achieving its biggest year in energy savings so far in 2025/26,” it said, adding that it has surpassed its goal to reduce energy consumption by 8% and is on track to cut this by 10% by the end of this year.

“To build on these improvements and progress, CAF is in the process of putting together a ten-year property plan focused on upgrading our Building Energy Management System,” it added.

---