ACO (Association of Charitable Organisations)

Who we are

The Association of Charitable Organisations (formerly Association of Charity Officers) was founded in 1946 and is the national UK umbrella body for Trusts and Foundations that give grants and welfare support to individuals in need.

The funds managed by ACO members are discretionary, and seek to compliment and enhance welfare support provided by local and central government. Our members operate in the UK and across the globe. Over the last few years many funds have reviewed their operations, researching patterns of need and developing more strategic programmes of assistance.

ACO provides support to its members through:

• Networking: building peer networks providing opportunities for members to share, and get advice and support;
• Raising standards: promoting good practice, tackling problems together and offering solutions;
• Lobbying and campaigning: giving our members a voice by responding to government consultations and raising awareness about the work of our member organisations;
• Information: providing members with up to date information tailored to their specific interests through a monthly newsletter, policy briefings;
• On line services: such as websites and member forums proving opportunities to seek and share advice and experience.