FINANCIAL SKILLS AND BEHAVIOUR:

A SNAPSHOT VIEW OF THE CHARITY SECTOR

The survey results below represent the views of 312 people in the charity sector. More than two-thirds were senior management or above.

MORE THAN 2/3 CHARITIES FEEL THE CHARITY SECTOR WOULD BENEFIT FROM IMPROVED
FINANCE SKILLS AND TRAINING BEFORE TAKING ON LOANS

2/3
A LACK OF INFORMATION AND RESOURCE IS CONTRIBUTING TO 58% OF CHARITIES BEING
TOO RISK AVERSE TO TAKE OUT A LOAN

Biggest barrier external Biggest barrier internal

7% 15%
24% 58%
UNABLE TO GET LACK OF
LOAN FINANCE RESOURCE

UNAWARE OF LACK OF APPETITE

LOAN PROVIDERS TO TAKE RISKS
Smallest barrier external Smallest barrier internal

 CAF Bank, owned by a charity, knows that charitable organisations need money to grow and expand their services. Grants and
donations are a vital source of funds, but there may be circumstances when loan finance could also be considered.

 CAF Bank understands the issues and challenges that charities face and prides itself on only lending to charities when it is absolutely
appropriate. CAF Bank will not encourage a charity to overstretch themselves or get into unmanageable debt due to the thorough
assessment process which takes into account the charity’s individual circumstances.

78% CHARITIES HAVE NOT TAKEN ON LOAN FINANCE IN THE LAST YEAR, DESPITE
TIGHTENING FINANCIAL RESOURCE FOR MANY CHARITIES

3% YES

78% NO

19% MAYBE

WHICH FEATURES ARE MOST IMPORTANT FOR CHARITIES WHEN CONSIDERING A BANKING
PROVIDER FOR THEIR CURRENT ACCOUNT?

Low charges Ethical values Simple to use

48% 34% 33%

In association with

www.cafonline.org/finance
If you would like further information on loan finance,
email clientrelations@cafonline.org
Survey by Guardian Voluntary Sector Network on behalf of CAF.