How much cash should a charity keep in reserve?
- 10 July 2026
A charity’s reserves are the funds it keeps available for future needs, unexpected costs, or planned activity.
There isn’t one fixed amount that every charity should hold.
The right level depends on the charity’s work, income, commitments and future plans.
Why ‘doing more with less’ is quietly undermining charity strategy
- 17 June 2026
“Do more with less” sounds like good discipline.
It reflects commitment. It suggests you’re being responsible with limited resources. And in a sector where demand rarely slows down, it can feel like the only realistic option.
The real reason many charities feel financially stretched (even when income looks stable)
- 12 May 2026
At first glance, things can look fine. Income is steady. Reserves haven’t collapsed. Funding is still coming in. And yet, many trustees feel it:
“We’re constantly under pressure.”
That feeling isn’t imagined. And it’s not just about income.
Why a reserves policy is a good idea, not just good compliance
- 30 April 2026
Holding cash is part of day‑to‑day reality for most charities. Bills still need paying, commitments still need honouring, and activity rarely stops just because income slows or timing shifts. A reserves policy provides a clear, agreed way to think about that cash and how it supports the charity’s work over time.
Seen this way, a reserves policy isn’t a box‑ticking exercise. It’s a practical tool for trustees making real decisions.