One thing we can all be sure of is that by the fourth week in November, Christmas is looming very large on the horizon. Preparing for events involving church, family, and friends is becoming a priority.

However, before we can contemplate the festivities, there is the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s budget to think about (read more below), not to mention next year’s church financial projections.

In his 1833 book The Wondrous Tale of Alroy. Benjamin Disraeli included the line “I am prepared for the worst but hope for the best,” which has subsequently morphed into “hope for the best, prepare for the worst.”

Arguably, a more positive approach to life’s uncertainties.

This month’s Newsletter contains a selection of articles spanning changes to SORP, Governance Codes, Charity Commission investigations, combined with a few pieces which hopefully will encourage some ‘thinking beyond the balance sheet’ and prepare us for what’s to come.

• What’s new
  • ACAT job vacancy – Membership helpline support
  • New Charity SORP
  • New Charity Governance Code
  • Budget 2025: What it means for churches and communities
  • Charity Sector Risk Assessment 2025
  • ICO consultation on new charitable purpose soft opt-in rules to support fundraising
  • Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme
  • Enjoying this month’s highlights?
• Points to Ponder
  • ACAT Conference – Bishop Mark’s keynote Address
  • The Importance of Bereavement Ministry
  • Volunteers plead for renewal of church repair grant scheme amid ‘unfolding crisis’
  • Charity Commission tells Archbishops’ Council it ‘must rapidly accelerate’ safeguarding reforms.
• Helpline Q&A
  • A bank account for each fund?
  • VAT registration
  • Qualifying and non-qualifying use re VAT rate on utilities
• Partners in Ministry
  • The National Churches Survey – Giving Churches a Say
  • Utility Aid – Sustainability and saving money can go hand in hand
  • easyfundraising – ACAT member wins £500
• Autumn Training Programme
• Charities Engagement Team – Upcoming webinars
• Final Thought

God bless,

Ashley Ellis
ACAT Executive Officer

P.S. To make sure you don’t miss important updates, please add @acat.uk.com to your safe senders list. Some members have found our emails ending up in spam folders. We’ve put together a simple guide for Outlook, Gmail and other email providers at: https://www.acat.uk.com/make-sure-you-get-acat-emails/

ACAT job vacancy – Membership helpline support

We’ve got a brilliant opportunity coming up for someone with a knack for helping others and a passion for keeping on top of changing info. Specifically, we need someone to answer membership queries and to help us keep the ACAT website up to date.

With Peter leaving us in February, we’re now on the lookout for someone to step into his shoes. The role is pretty varied but essentially involves answering questions that come in through our helpline, updating the website (including some FAQs), and making sure our resources are always up to date with the latest legal requirements and best practice.

It’s a fantastic chance to play a key role in supporting the ACAT membership. A really rewarding job that’ll give you plenty of variety and satisfaction. A full job description is downloadable below. If you want to give it a go, send your CV to Ashley Ellis. All the details you need are in the job description if you want to learn more. 

New Charity SORP

#Charity Governance & Regulation, #News, #Encouraged Action

The New Charity SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) for charity accounting and reporting was published on 31 October, following a public consultation of the Exposure Draft which ran from 28 March to 20 June 2025.

Also on 31 October, the response to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) Consultation on thresholds was published. These thresholds, which will not come into effect before 1 October 2026, apply only to charities in England and Wales.

The main objective of the new SORP is to make charities’ financial reporting more proportionate. 

• Unless required by Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102), only charities with an income of more than £15 million will be required to produce a detailed statement of cash flows, reducing the burden on charities with an income between £500,000 and £15 million.

Three new tiers to ensure reporting is more proportionate to the charity’s size:

• Tier 1 – for charities with income up to £500,000
• Tier 2 – for charities with income between £500,000 – £15 million
• Tier 3 – for charities with income above £15 million

The complete document is available on Charities SORP website.

I am indebted to Mark Heaton, Chair of ACIE and ACAT Trustee, for the following succinct summary of the main changes.

The New SORP takes effect for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2026, so the first year ends to be affected will be 31 December 2026.

Reporting thresholds – England & Wales

• Independent examination & Audit
• Starting point income over £40,000, up to £1.5m (previously £25k to £1m)
• Qualified independent examiner required – charities with income over £500k (previously £250k)
• Audit of charities – income over £1.5m (previously £1m)
• Full audit required for charities with income over £500k and assets greater than £5m (previously £250k and £3.26m)
• Receipts and payments accounts
  • income up to £500k (previously £250k)

These changes are significant and will not take effect before 1 October 2026.

Reporting thresholds – Scotland

Please note that for charities registered with both the Charity Commission and OSCR, the lower thresholds take precedence, which is usually those in Scotland.

Regulations are being laid before the Scottish Parliament to increase the audit threshold from £500k to £1m. No start date is yet available.

New Charity Governance Code

#Charity Governance & Regulation , #News, #Information Only

The new Charity Governance Code has now been published following detailed consultation. The updated code aims to provide clearer guidance to help charity boards improve their decision-making and overall leadership.

Eight core principles provide guidance for trustees to assist collaborative working decision making and risk management.

The emphasis of the New Code is on board behaviours and culture, highlighting how ethics, decision making and inclusion support strong governance.

Although the Code is voluntary, it nevertheless supports the objective of attaining good governance standards and the principles which underpin them.

Eight principles of the 2025 Charity Governance Code

1. Charity’s Founding Principle – Do trustees understand the charity’s governing document, its purpose and how that purpose benefits the public?
2. Charity’s Purpose – Are trustees clear about the charity’s aims and how to achieve them?
3. Leadership – Does the charity’s Board provide effective leadership and strategic vision consistent with its aims and purposes?
4. Ethics & Culture – The trustee Board should set standards of behaviour which shape the charity’s culture and the way it operates.
5. Decision Making – The Board should make effective decisions which support the achievement of the charity’s purpose, taking personal responsibility for achieving collective agreement in their decision-making.
6. Managing Resources & Risks – The Board should provide effective stewardship of the resources available, identify associated risks and how best to manage them.
7. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – Does the Board ensure that people of all backgrounds and perspectives within the charity are equally heard and their views respected?
8. Board Effectiveness – The Board should aim to work collaboratively with a balance of skills, experience, knowledge and background, periodically reviewing performance.

The New Governance Code provides an opportunity for governing bodies of all churches to review their effectiveness using the eight key principles summarised above. It is easy to become complacent and lose sight of the importance of good, effective governance.

It may be a cliché, but we should always aim to be “Beacons of Excellence”

Budget 2025: What it means for churches and communities

#Charity Governance & Regulation, #News, #Information Only

The Autumn Budget didn’t deliver on much that we weren’t already expecting. The Chancellor had a chance to ease the situation for the faith and charitable sectors, but unfortunately, most of their pleas fell on deaf ears. The Listed Places of Worship Scheme is still on track to shut down in March 2026.

There’s good news for households, especially those on lower incomes. The increase in the minimum wage and the removal of the two child benefit cap from April 2026 should help families. Pension increases and frozen rail fares will also bring some stability in the coming year.

The freeze on tax thresholds may bring some people into higher tax bands but this also creates opportunities to remind our congregations about Gift Aid and higher rate relief.

For churches the coming year will require creativity and prayerful stewardship but also opportunities to deepen generosity and support one another. God provides through His people and together we can face the coming year with hope.

Have a read of our detailed article below.

Charity Sector Risk Assessment 2025

#Charity Governance & Regulation, #News, #Information only

The Charity Commission has recently published a summary of the risks facing the sector, the purpose of which is to help trustees assess what action they should take to mitigate risks that their charity may face.

A detailed report highlighting the risks which charities are facing in 2025 can be found via the links below. Those of specific relevance to churches are summarised as follows:

• Threats to Financial Resilience
  • The impact of general national economic difficulties
  • Reduction in donor income
  • Increases in Employment Costs
  • Increased demand for services and the additional costs which result
• Public Benefit Issues
  • Abuse of charitable status
  • Dominant board personalities with possible conflicts of interest
  • Trustees’ lack of charity law knowledge, obligations and responsibilities
• Governance Risks
  • Insufficient trustee numbers for an effective governing body
  • Failure of trustees to understand the meaning of effective governance
  • Inadequate policies and procedures
• Safeguarding
  • Inadequate compliance with legal duties regarding safeguarding
  • Failure to ensure a safe environment
  • Abuse of technology providing deepfake photos & videos
• Fraud
  • Internal, employee/volunteers’ misuse or misappropriation of funds
  • External, bogus contractors and financial scams
• Technology
  • Cyber risks and hacking

As those responsible for the safe management of our respective church resources, we need to be constantly aware of the risks to which they are exposed and to ensure policies and procedures are in place to counter them.

Here’s the question: when did you last carry out a full risk assessment for your church or review what is currently in place?

ICO consultation on new charitable purpose soft opt-in rules to support fundraising

#Charity Governance & Regulation, #News, #Encouraged Action

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched a consultation running to 27 November, in advance of the January 2026 changes to the Data (Use and Access) Act.

These changes will enable charities to use a new ‘charitable purpose soft opt-in’ to send direct marketing electronic mail messages, such as emails and texts, to people who have expressed interest in or wished to support a charity, but without requiring their prior consent to receive marketing information.

The intention is to allow charities and, therefore, churches to strengthen connections with supporters and periodic donors as part of their fundraising efforts.

The ICO intends to provide clear guidance and rules surrounding the ‘soft opt-in’ to ensure it is used by charities legally and responsibly so that public confidence and trust can be maintained.

Charities, including churches, are encouraged to participate in this short consultation via the link below, which could provide greater opportunities for more flexible fundraising.

So, church treasurers, accountants and trustees, this is definitely worth a few minutes of your time.

Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme

#Church Life & Community, #News, #Encouraged Action

Updated guidance on the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme was first published on 13 February 2025. This is relevant to churches and faith community centres and was featured in our March Newsletter.

The Home Office is now offering grants to fund security measures for places of worship and faith community centres in England and Wales that are at risk of hate crime. The scheme covers installation and one year of maintenance.

The scheme covers:

• CCTV
• secure fencing or gates
• stronger doors and locks
• window protection
• intruder alarms
• entry systems (keypad, fob, intercom)
• external lighting
• secure mailboxes

But excludes:

• planning permission fees
• general building work
• upgrades for outdated systems
• issues unrelated to hate crime (for example, antisocial behaviour)

To apply, submit an application no later than 8th December 2025 using the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme application form. 

Important caveats to note

• Applications must contain evidence of security threats to your church or church community premises where services are held.
• The threats should be capable of being designated as ‘hate crimes’
• Late applications will not be accepted

However

Nothing ventured, as my friends in the North would say, ‘Shy bairns get nowt.’

ACAT Conference – Bishop Mark’s keynote Address

#Church Life & Community, #News, #Information Only.

One of ACAT’s fundamentals, since its inception, is the firmly held principle that the church accountant, trustee, member of the governing body, in fact, all involved in church administration in whatever form, are following an apostolic call from God as indicated by St Paul in 1 Cor 12:28.

The keynote conference speech by the Right Reverend Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton, was therefore a great encouragement to us all.

Here is a snippet:

“I’m deeply conscious, reflecting on those friendships and relationships of service that I’ve had with many treasurers over the years, that your work is the place where faith meets numbers, where mission meets management. And please, let’s not have the hang-up that management’s a dirty word. The Lord calls us to manage well, so let’s fill it with Christ — and where generosity meets accountability. And in that place, I believe, for each one of you, and for treasurers across the life of the church, it is in that place where you will meet God and serve him.”

The Importance of Bereavement Ministry

#Church Life & Community, #Opinion, #Encouraged Action

In 1789 Benjamin Franklin wrote the famous and oft quoted words “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

During the period 31 October to 2 November, Western Christian tradition remembers the ‘faithful departed.’ Special services are held which provide an opportunity to give thanks to God for those who, in the glorious words of the Salvation Army, have been ‘translated unto glory.’

Whilst this annual opportunity for remembrance is all well and good, grief is part of life. Supporting those who mourn is, or should be, a fundamental part of ministry. It is also an outreach opportunity to those in our local communities who are outside our church fellowships.

In broader terms, Bereavement Ministry is an opportunity to demonstrate that we are fulfilling our charitable purposes by existing to benefit the general public. If our churches are committed to ‘meeting the needs of people where they are’, bereavement ministry should be an essential part of our churches’ continuing programme. 

Grief frequently does not become a reality until after a funeral or memorial service, when loneliness overwhelms those who have lost a loved one. Irrespective of size or location, our churches should provide sustained pastoral care to those who grieve. 

So why become a bereavement friendly church? 

• Jesus himself mourned the loss of Lazarus (John 11:35), demonstrating his humanity and grief. He also mourned the loss of his cousin John the Baptist by withdrawing to a solitary place to grieve. (Matt 14:13-14.)
• Death is a reality, a continuing fact of life. Death is something we all must face. Our ministry to a needy world is, or certainly should be, how to face reality and the spiritual support which is available through the risen Jesus.

• Bereavement ministry is an opportunity to demonstrate the caring love of God and to plant a thought in the minds of the grieving that these Christians have something different in their lives. Who knows, that may result in a coming to faith and a growth in our church membership.
• Leaders with appropriate training: Church members and leaders trained to understand grief and to provide practical and emotional support.
• A bereavement-friendly church, which is proactive, is likely to:
• Be a place which offers a warm welcome: For people of all ages who are grieving. Irrespective of whether they have faith or not. It is crucial that the church is a place where people feel safe, listened to, and cared for.
• Have available a Sensitive Structured Program: Such programs, ‘The Bereavement Journey,’ available to anyone, can be a helpful means of coping with and understanding grief. 
•  Be working with others: Collaboration with other local organisations such as GP surgeries, hospices, funeral directors and other churches which together provide an informal support network available to the bereaved.
• Provide opportunities for reflection: Special annual services such as Remembrance Sunday or All Souls’ Day provide an opportunity for quiet contemplation, or thoughts of the loved one who has died.

So, here’s the question? Is your church a Bereavement Friendly church with bereavement ministry a fundamental part of its ministry?

Volunteers plead for renewal of church repair grant scheme amid ‘unfolding crisis’

#Finance & Fundraising, #News, #Encouraged Action

Earlier in the year, the Government signalled that the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme would close on 31 March 2026.

The scheme gives grants towards VAT paid on repairs and renovations to the nation’s listed places of worship across the UK.

The Government provides a total budget of £23 million, of which £11,749,503 currently remains unspent. 

Sir Philip Rutnam, Chair of the National Churches Trust, has said that “churches are a vital part of the country’s social infrastructure, enabling community activities, but one in 20 face closure in five years.”

He has appealed for the scheme to be renewed in order to avert the crisis affecting these historic buildings.

The fear is that in the current economic climate, the Government will regard this as having a lower priority. This is a time for church treasurers and trustees to lobby their MPs and ensure that the remaining available funds are spent.

With over £11 million remaining unspent, the secularists in government may well argue that this is a clear indication that the scheme has ‘run its course.’

Charity Commission tells Archbishops’ Council it ‘must rapidly accelerate’ safeguarding reforms.

#Charity Governance & Regulation, #News, #Encouraged Action

In a Press Release dated 14 November, The Charity Commission has made it very clear to The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England that it must rapidly accelerate the delivery of safeguarding improvements, including its approach to handling complaints.

The Commission’s Chief Executive, David Holdsworth, stated, “It’s time for the Archbishops’ Council and the Church of England to move from review to reform, and from debate to delivery.”

Commission’s current findings

• Insufficient urgency in implementing responses to past reviews of safeguarding
•  Current approach is too complex
• Timescale (2028, by which necessary legislation to implement independent safeguarding should be in place) is too long.

The Result

The Charity Commission expects 

• The Archbishops’ Council to implement independent safeguarding structures as endorsed by the Church’s General Synod in February 2025, within 18 months from now.
• To put in place robust interim measures to keep people safe.

This warning by the Charity Commission to The Church of England also serves as a timely reminder to all Church governing bodies of their safeguarding responsibilities.

It is also worth highlighting the six core principles of effective Safeguarding, which form part of the 2014 Care Act, set out in the Care Act statutory guidance (2014).

The question for trustees & treasurers is to what extent our individual church policies and practices satisfy these principles?

1. Empowerment
   • People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent. Are vulnerable adults and young people in our churches adequately supported, and do they feel they are in a “safe environment?”
2. Prevention
   • Act before harm occurs. Is there an awareness among church members of the boundaries of acceptable behaviour and who to contact if there are concerns?
3. Proportionality
   • The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented. How do those with safeguarding responsibilities in our churches respond to concerns brought to their attention?
4. Protection
   • Support and representation for those in greatest need. What support is in place for vulnerable adults and young people in our churches? Are they represented within the church leadership structures?
5. Partnership
   • Working with local communities and the appropriate agencies. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse. Are effective links in place with other churches and local agencies experienced in Safeguarding? Is there a culture of sharing good practice?
6. Accountability
   • Accountability and transparency in safeguarding practice. Is there clarity within the church Safeguarding policy where accountability lies for its effective implementation? Are there any areas where transparency may have been overlooked?

A bank account for each fund?

Q: At a meeting of Church Treasurers last night, we had a difference of opinion on a banking matter. Perhaps you are able to provide a definitive answer because I can’t find one specifically in the ACAT handbook.

I stated that I had read somewhere (?) that the restricted funds relating to the Churchyard, e.g. burial fees, memorial fees, etc., must be kept in a bank account that is separate from the general Church bank account. The Churchyard account should also be used for paying out Churchyard costs, e.g. grass cutting. Is this correct, please, or am I imagining it? If correct, please advise where to find the information within the handbook so that I can draw my fellow treasurer’s attention to it.

A: We have several places in our ACAT handbook where there is a definition of accounting funds. There are other sources as well e.g. Charity Commission, Charities SORP [Statement of Recommended Practice]. All say the same thing but in different ways. Here is a short definition from our Guide for New Treasurers:

https://www.acat.uk.com/resource/introductory-guide-for-new-church-treasurers/ *login required

• Unrestricted Funds – General Funds used to fulfil the aims of the charity.
• Designated Funds – Unrestricted funds earmarked for a particular purpose by the trustees.

• Restricted Funds – Money given or raised for a specific purpose.
• Endowment Funds – Funds where the capital cannot be spent and the income is usually restricted to a specific purpose.

 At ACAT, we’re very clear, as is the Charity Commission, that you do not require different bank accounts for each fund. One bank account will suffice but the process is much easier if you have suitable accounting software (we can give you some recommendations – please use a contact form *login required). An Excel spreadsheet may work, but it gets much more cumbersome and difficult to maintain.

As for how the Churchyard Fund is operated, we leave it to you. However, with the way you are describing the income sources, we wonder if the fund should be a Designated Fund if the income isn’t restricted in any way but is purely being held in a separate fund as an internal matter.

VAT registration

Q: I am looking at the possibility of registering my CoE parish church in for VAT. I have looked at Chapter 7 (VAT) in the ACAT handbook, and I am looking for clarification of a key phrase in the section dealing with the restriction for exempt supplies. Specifically, the term ‘earned’ income is used and I am not sure what the definition of ‘earned’ is in this context. Any help would be appreciated.

A: The writer has had to address this question on several occasions, including in a shopping street encounter not far from where I live. I had been employed as part-time finance officer of a large city-centre church, which I didn’t attend. Having ‘retired’, I subsequently bumped into the church worship leader, who also lives in our area. He mentioned that the church had spent mega-thousands on a new projector. The church meets in a large building with a massive screen so I am not surprised that an expensive projector would be required. Anyway, my former colleague was bemoaning the fact that the church could not reclaim the VAT, which would be a few thousand pounds. I can’t recall exactly what I said in the ‘hustle and bustle’ of a busy street at Christmas-time, but I had to think ‘on my feet’ as treasurers so often have to do! It is of course worth bearing in mind that, although churches do not benefit from VAT registration, we are given a lower rate of 5% VAT on most of our utility bills with no CCL [Climate Change Levy] and for listed buildings, maybe the ability to claim a grant under the LPWGS [Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme]. Most importantly, we can claim Gift Aid and GASDS [Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme], which, for the majority of churches, must be worth more than we pay in VAT on purchases.

Charities (and that includes churches) do not normally register for VAT as there is no income that can be used for an input tax. If there is trading income, then there might be the need to register for VAT but this will only apply to the trading element. Please see this HMRC webpage https://www.gov.uk/vat-charities.

I am not quite sure which section the enquirer is referring to in Chapter 7 of our Handbook. The term ‘earned income’ only appears in the last section – section 7 Reclaiming VAT on expenditure – as far as I can see. This is only for churches that are registered for VAT and it is recommended that HMRC Notice 706 is studied https://www.gov.uk/guidance/partial-exemption-vat-notice-706.

In concluding I commented that I am curious as to why the church wants to register for VAT. The church came back to me with this explanation:

“The context of my original request for clarification of the meaning of ‘earned income’ was to be able to demonstrate to our new vicar that it is not worth seeking registration for VAT, having looked at the issue properly. My difficulty arose from my not having seen the term ‘earned income’ used in respect of VAT before. The term is usually used for income tax. I will work on the assumption that the term relates to outputs which are in the scope of VAT and therefore excludes non-business – outside the scope – income.”

Qualifying and non-qualifying use re VAT rate on utilities

Q: I have a query relating to VAT on Fuel Supplied to Church Premises. It would be good to talk to someone but here is the question:

‘When a national or local election is used on our premises does the fuel used qualify as Business or Non-Business Use?’

Our submission to our supplier is being queried.

A: In direct answer to your question, allowing the local Council to use your premises for a local or national election is definitely business (i.e. non-qualifying) use. You are receiving a payment for allowing the use of your premises, even if you don’t send out an invoice. I’m sorry but there are no two ways about this.

If your ‘business’ use (i.e. non-charitable use) exceeds 40% of the supply (i.e. usage) of the energy, then you will be paying 20% VAT (plus a Climate Change Levy [CCL]) on the business part. As explained, you need to be looking at usage – not hours of occupation nor how much is paid. I’ll have to leave you to work out how this applies in practice. You may have to read the meters on a regular and frequent basis to build up a full picture.

For more information and reference purposes, please refer to:

• General guidance https://www.gov.uk/vat-charities webpage 2 – ‘What qualifies for VAT relief’ and ‘What qualifies for the reduced rate’
• Specific guidance https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-on-fuel-and-power-notice-70119 Section 3 Qualifying use paragraphs 3.1, 3.3 and 3.4

Please remember that it is the supplier who sets the VAT rate based on HMRC rules and guidance and, of course, what you are able to tell them. The church’s VAT contact is with the utility supplier – not HMRC. The supplier is acting as a tax collector for HMRC using the above guidance to calculate what is necessary – they are not mind-readers. It helps if you are aware of the HMRC rules and guidance when dealing with your energy provider(s) because this may be to your mutual benefit.

The National Churches Survey – Giving Churches a Say

National Churches Survey is out, and it gives us a pretty grim look at the state of our church buildings across the UK, but at the same time, it’s also a powerful reminder of just how much of a difference they make to our communities. With so many churches struggling to stay afloat in tough economic times, and with lots of changes happening all around us, this report is a timely wake-up call about the challenges on the horizon, and just how much value our churches really bring to the table.

Our churches, be they grand chapels, tiny meeting houses or somewhere in between, are more than just landmarks on the landscape. They’re the beating heart of the community: places of worship, of course, but also of heritage, of support for those in need, and of pastoral care. They’re kept going by volunteers who give up hours of their own time and energy, often without a thought for themselves. The Survey, which ACAT and its members contributed to, makes it clear just what’s at stake if we don’t get our act together.

Now is the moment to act.

You can grab both the summary and full versions of the National Churches Survey below.

Utility Aid

Sustainability and saving money can go hand in hand

Most of us are looking at ways to become more sustainable, but often it is hard knowing where to start and you may feel like you’ve not got the funds to tackle these issues. Utility Aid’s latest blog demonstrates the small changes you can make today that will start you on your journey to a sustainable future whilst also leading to savings in the long run.

easyfundraising

ACAT member wins £500

ACAT member Rainham Christian Fellowship is celebrating after winning a funding boost. The small Baptist church in the Twydall community, has won £500 from funding platform easyfundraising.

They won simply because one of their supporters used the easyfundraising platform to shop and raise money for them with eBay.

Spokesperson Marika said, “We feel surprised but pleased to have won and are looking forward to passing on the gift to the local community. We will spend the money on Christmas outreach by providing a Christmas dinner for the Refresh coffee morning group, a Christmas party and gifts for the new baby and toddler group and refreshments at the outdoor carol singing event.

“The easyfundraising and eBay Big Giveaway is an amazing reward. We always recommend easyfundraising and try to raise awareness of the opportunity to raise funds in this way.”

To join easyfundraising and collect free donations when your church community shop online with 8,000 retailers, visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk/acat

‘Tis the season to give – and maybe win a donation for your church too!

Our church funding partner easyfundraising is spreading festive cheer with its Christmas Crackers competition, running 8–21 December.

Each day, your church could receive a £100 or £200 donation – a welcome boost for mission and ministry as we head into the new year.

Register your church to get involved for free here: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/acat

Then from 8–21 December, visit easyfundraising, find the Christmas Cracker and click it each day for your chance to win a donation for your church.

Invite your congregation, PCC, volunteers and church family to join in too – every click is another chance for your church to win.

While you’re there, please encourage your church community to do their Christmas shopping via easyfundraising. With 8,000+ retailers including eBay, M&S, Boots, Eden, John Lewis, Argos and thousands more they’ll raise free donations for your church every time they shop – at no extra cost.

Don’t miss out- register your church today in time to join the festive fun from 8th Dec: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/acat

• Trustee Training for Churches – Session 2 still available
  • Date: Saturday 6 December
  • Time: 10 AM – 12 Noon
• Accruals Accounting – Accounts for Larger Churches – Session 2 still available
  • Date: Saturday 6 December
  • Time: 2 PM – 4 PM
• Preparing for an Independent Examination
  • Date: Monday 8 December
  • Time: 7 PM – 8 PM

If you have any questions about our training, please contact Cath Fox.

The Charity Commission for England and Wales registers and regulates charities to ensure that the public can support charities with confidence. Through regular events, the Charities Engagement Team supports trustees and charity leaders to manage their charities effectively.

Courses in November and December are available for booking.

Did you know?

You can not only manage your own newsletter subscription, but also update your details directly from your profile page. Just click your name in the top right corner after logging in to the website.

Charity no. 1072733 Registered address: Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers, C/O KM Accountants, 1st Floor, Block C, The Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG.