Our Approach to Supporting Charities, CICs and Community Organisations
Cahoot CIC provides collaborative funding, leadership and organisational development support for charities, CICs and community organisations across the UK.
Our approach is built around partnership, practical action and long-term sustainability. We work alongside organisations to strengthen confidence, capacity and impact rather than simply delivering one-off solutions.
How We Work With Organisations
The principles that guide every partnership, project and piece of support we provide to charities, CICs and community organisations.
Every organisation is different, but our approach remains the same. We work collaboratively, share knowledge openly and focus on creating sustainable change rather than short-term fixes. These principles shape every service we provide and every partnership we build.
Stewardship and Integrity
We act as trusted partners, prioritising long term effectiveness and sustainability over quick wins. We are transparent about what we offer, and we always keep our advice grounded in what is right for your organisation and the communities you serve.
In Practice, This Means We Will:
• Prioritise long term financial health rather than one off successes
• Be open about our capabilities, fees, and realistic chances of success
• Make sure every piece of advice aligns with your charitable purpose and governing documents
• Put clarity and honesty at the centre of our work together
Thoughtful Impact
We provide consultancy that goes beyond securing funding. We are focused on helping organisations create meaningful, lasting change for the people who rely on them.
In Practice, This Means We Will:
• Ask constructive questions that help strengthen your evidence of need and outcomes
• Deliver bespoke support, never generic or template based work
• Measure success through the difference created for your service users, not just the size of the grant
• Help build plans that are realistic, grounded, and rooted in real life context
Shared Knowledge
We believe in building long term capacity within organisations. We do not hold on to knowledge or treat information as a commodity. Instead, we share openly so you feel more confident and capable in your work.
In Practice, This Means We Will:
• Provide training and guidance so your team can internalise fundraising and strategy skills
• Act as mentors and sector educators, sharing insight wherever it can help
• Encourage organisations to feel less reliant on external consultants over time
• Build your confidence so you can continue the work long after our involvement.
Why We Work This Way
The values that shape our team, our decisions and the way we support organisations every day.
The way we work internally has a direct impact on the quality of support we provide. We believe that healthy collaboration, shared responsibility and a strong sense of purpose enable us to deliver thoughtful, practical support that helps organisations thrive.
Flexibility and Autonomy
We believe in healthy, sustainable ways of working. We trust our team to manage their workload and schedule in ways that support both personal wellbeing and professional excellence.
In Practice, This Means We Will:
• Respect each team member’s preferred working style and commitments
• Focus on delivery and quality of work rather than hours spent
• Make sure our team has the tools and authority to manage their portfolios effectively
• Maintain a calm, balanced working culture that ultimately benefits our clients
Egalitarian Partnership
We work collaboratively and value every voice. We make decisions together, share ideas freely, and build services that reflect the strengths of the whole team.
In Practice, This Means We Will:
• Maintain a flat structure where ideas are welcomed from everyone
• Share challenges and successes transparently
• Dedicate time for collaborative thinking and service development
• Treat every perspective with respect and equal weight
Passion and Purpose
We believe deeply in the importance of the third sector and are motivated by the impact our clients create. We choose to work with organisations whose values align with our own and deliver work that feels meaningful and purposeful.
In Practice, This Means We Will:
• Work with organisations whose missions we genuinely believe in
• Keep learning from best practice across the sector
• Regularly revisit why Cahoot exists and the difference we want to make
• Bring energy, care, and intention to every partnership
What this means for you
When you work with Cahoot CIC, you can expect:
• A calm, grounded team who understands real world charity pressures
• Honest conversations and transparent expectations
• Practical solutions that fit your capacity
• Support shaped around your voice and your community
• Collaboration that feels equal and respectful
• Guidance that strengthens your organisation long after the project ends
We work in cahoots with you, side by side, to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Why this matters
Cahoot exists to deliver thoughtful, strategic consultancy and capacity building to small, grassroots charities and social enterprises. We ensure these vital organisations can grow sustainably, achieve their full potential, and profoundly benefit the people they serve.