CFN publishes Manifesto for Community Philanthropists. The manifesto is the result of nine months careful research by a working group of donors, grant makers and academics. Its recommendations include major reforms to the banking, taxation and education systems to both release more funds now and promote a culture of giving in the future.

CFN is sad to hear of the death of its Honorary Vice President, Lord Edward George, the former Governor of the Bank of England.

"Eddie George was one of the network's first Honorary Vice Presidents, and he played an invaluable role in promoting the concept of community foundations and their role in encouraging giving," said Stephen Hammersley, CEO of CFN.

Lord George requested that any gifts in his memory should be made to the Cornwall Community Foundation for their Grassroots Grants Endowment Match Challenge.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has announced a £500,000 capital investment in Charity Bank. The first-ever investment by a Community Foundation in the UK’s only not-for-profit bank, the funds will help Charity Bank to increase its affordable social loans to community organisations, charities and social enterprises in Northern Ireland.

Community Foundation Network (CFN) – the UK’s largest charity supporting local community groups – has today released research which shows that endowments, pledges and legacies held by its 56 member organisations have passed £200 million, more than double the figure less than four years ago.