National, Regional and Special Interest Groups
Our national, regional and special interest groups put fundraisers at the heart of everything we do, wherever you are in the UK and whatever your area of interest. Led by committed volunteer fundraisers, these groups create opportunities to connect, share knowledge and build skills through events, networking and peer support, while also representing the voice of fundraising locally, nationally and across the profession.
Thanks to the commitment of the fundraisers who volunteer through our network of national, regional and special interest groups, we can offer a range of opportunities for you to meet, network and learn with other fundraisers.
Our volunteer committees will be there for you as you develop your skills through organised events and networking opportunities with other like-minded professionals. As well as developing new contacts to support you with your day to day work, don’t be surprised if you also form some friendships for life. Since 1984, when a group of fundraisers came together to set up what has now become the Chartered Institute, friendship and a sense of belonging has always been at the heart of what we do.
Our Group structure is supported by our three volunteer Chairs of Chairs, Sally Insley for our regional and national groups, Tom Dixon for our special interest groups and Bronwyn O'Riordan for our Scottish groups.
You will find contact details for the committees leading our work in the regions on their dedicated pages.
Being part of a group, and membership of the Chartered Institute is a great way to expand your knowledge, share with others and it’s a fantastic personal development opportunity. - Mervi Slade, Chair of the Payroll Giving special interest group
Our Work in the Nations
The Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s work in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is driven by three dedicated committees of volunteers.
Representing the voices of fundraisers and fundraising in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, our national groups are uniquely placed to help us ensure we get involved in the right national discussions that will help shape the environment for fundraisers to be able to engage with supporters to connect them with the causes they care about. Their knowledge and experience in the sector makes sure that we, as a newly Chartered Institute, are able to engage fully with decision makers in the devolved Parliaments and Assemblies of the UK.
Our national groups also provide support, learning and networking opportunities for fundraisers, helping individuals develop their skills and knowledge while helping to shape the future of our profession.
Learn how the Northern Ireland committee supports professional fundraisers, offers training, networking and mentoring opportunities in Northern Ireland.
Explore the Scotland group's thriving fundraising membership community and network of volunteers whose passion, dedication and expertise is fundamental to their work in the nation.
The Wales/Cymru group supports individual fundraisers and charities across the nation, offering training, advice and a supportive professional network.
The Central South group covers Guildford, Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, Swindon and Salisbury, but fundraisers outside these areas are also very welcome to reach out to us and get involved.
The East Anglia regional group covers a large geographical area with some members living in the region and working in London, while others live and work in East Anglia.
The East Midlands group provides a forum for skills development and networking, we cover a wide area and six counties - Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Rutland and Northants.
The London and South East group provide opportunities for fundraisers in London and the South East to connect, share insights, learn from experts and build professional networks.
The North East group support fundraisers across the North East of England by promoting best practice, providing professional development opportunities and accessible local training and networking.
The North West group covers Lancashire, Cumbria, Merseyside and Greater Manchester, but fundraisers outside these areas are also very welcome to reach out to us and get involved.
The South West group organise events and training to support fundraisers at all levels in the region, and also run an excellent South West mentoring scheme. The group covers Bath, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Somerset.
The West Midlands group aim is to provide support, inspiration and professional development opportunities to fundraisers living in Birmingham, Coventry, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
The Yorkshire group deliver training across Yorkshire with expert speakers, alongside social events and conferences that bring fundraisers together across the region.
Special Interest Groups
We have 22 special interest groups, set up to provide a forum for discussion and networking by fundraising specialisms and to help shape the policies and thought leadership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. Five of these groups are special interest groups covering key areas of fundraising specifically Scotland.
The Community Fundraising special interest group brings community fundraisers together to learn, share experiences, and discuss the issues that matter most.
The Consultants special interest group supports fundraising consultants, offering networking opportunities and by liasing with CIOF on matters such as the Directory of Fundraising Consultants.
The Corporate special interest group aims to connect fundraisers, represent their views, and provide access to relevant information and training.
The Cultural Sector Network aims to break down the barriers separating arts, culture and heritage fundraisers and to develop a truly public understanding of the charitable case for supporting culture.
The Event Fundraising special interest group supports event fundraisers across the sector, offering networking, learning, and development opportunities while championing their skills and representing their interests.
The Fundraisers in Christian Organisations special interest group supports fundraisers working in the UK’s 30,000+ Christian charities, through training, networking, and mentoring.
The Health Sector special interest group is a group for all health sector fundraisers, whether they fundraise for hospices, air ambulances, NHS Trusts, research or other support services.
The Insight in Fundraising special interest group supports anyone in the charity sector using data or research in their role, from fundraisers to analysts. Run by volunteers in similar roles, the group provides a space to share knowledge, advice, and support.
The Legacy and In-Memory special interest group provides a forum for fundraisers to share best practice, discuss sector trends, and raise the profile of legacy and in memoriam fundraising across the voluntary sector.
The Major Donor special interest group provides a forum in which major donor fundraisers can share knowledge and experience, access training, and network with peers from across the sector.
The Payroll Giving special interest group brings together fundraisers involved in payroll giving to share information, best practice and new ideas, as well as debate current challenges and network with other sector colleagues.
The Researchers in Fundraising special interest group help the prospect research community, both in the UK and internationally, to develop skills, network, strike up mentoring relationships, discover new research roles, and much more.
The Sole Fundraisers special interest group is a group that is dedicated to the issues facing fundraisers with primary responsibility for raising voluntary income in their organisation.
The Supporter Experience special interest group is a network of fundraising professionals who believe that if, as fundraisers, we only focus on the money we will damage the relationship with the supporter. But if we focus on giving supporters a great experience, then the money will follow.
The Digital and Technology special interest group is for anyone in or with charities interested in fundraising and technology. They cover websites, CRM systems, social media, data, accessibility, and more. All you need is an interest in how technology is used in the not-for-profit sector.
The Trusts and Statutory special interest group provides a forum for fundraisers who raise funds from trust and statutory sources. The group provides an excellent opportunity to meet with other trust and statutory fundraisers and to hear from those who work in and run trusts and offer statutory grants.
The Scottish Community special interest group provides a forum for learning, discussion and networking for fundraisers from charities of all sizes with an interest in community fundraising and volunteering in Scotland.
The Scottish Corporate special interest group is a group for charities of all sizes in Scotland to discuss the opportunities and challenges of working with companies and to share experiences.
The Scottish Heads and Directors special interest group is a space for senior practitioners in Scotland to share best practice in fundraising, provide a supportive network for its members, and provide a platform to inform CIOF's policy positions and discuss topical issues.
The Scottish Major Donor special interest group bring together major donor fundraisers from a wide range of backgrounds in Scotland to share information, learn and network with fundraising peers.
The Scottish Trusts and Statutory Foundations special interest group provides a forum for fundraisers who raise funds from trust and statutory sources in Scotland. The group provides an excellent opportunity to meet with other trust and statutory fundraisers and to hear from those who work in and run trusts and offer statutory grants.
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