Strategic Transformation Fund: Smart giving isn’t just good for communities — it’s good for business
Charities across Surrey are navigating a period of rapid change. Rising demand, increasing costs and uncertain public funding mean organisations must rethink how they operate in order to remain effective and sustainable.
The Strategic Transformation Fund was established to help charities do exactly that. By investing in strategic change — from digital transformation and governance improvement to collaboration and long-term planning — the Fund enables voluntary and community organisations to build resilience and increase their impact.
Crucially, the Fund also offers a meaningful way for businesses and corporate donors to invest in the long-term strength of the communities in which they operate.
The Strategic Transformation Fund brings together the generosity of multiple donors who share a commitment to long-term impact. Rather than funding short-term activity alone, the Fund focuses on strategic change — supporting charities to improve how they work, govern, collaborate and deliver services.
The Strategic Transformation Fund has:
Awarded 83 grants;
Distributed over £700,000; and
Supported charities and community groups across Surrey, with significant impact in Guildford, Waverley, Woking and Reigate & Banstead
Grants have supported projects and essential costs that enable strategic development such as:
Digital and systems upgrades
Governance and leadership development
Feasibility studies and merger exploration
Capital improvements and relocation
Sustainability and capacity-building initiatives
This strategic approach maximises donor value — delivering impact that lasts well beyond the lifetime of a single grant.
Why Strategic Transformation Matters
When charities are resilient, communities are stronger. Well-governed, financially stable organisations are better able to:
Respond quickly to emerging needs
Deliver higher-quality, more efficient services
Collaborate effectively with partners
Make the best use of limited resources
Investing in transformation allows charities to move from firefighting to forward planning — creating stability for beneficiaries and confidence for funders.
Why Businesses Choose to Give
For businesses, charitable giving is about more than goodwill — it’s a strategic investment in people, place and purpose.
By supporting the Strategic Transformation Fund, businesses can:
Strengthen local communities
Healthy voluntary sectors support thriving local economies. When charities are resilient, communities are safer, healthier and more inclusive — creating better places to live, work and do business.
Demonstrate values-led leadership
Supporting long-term social change shows employees, customers and partners that your business is committed to responsible, purposeful action — not just short-term fixes.
Enhance employee engagement
Corporate giving strengthens pride and morale, helping employees feel connected to their community and the values their employer stands for.
Maximise impact efficiently
By pooling donations through a professionally managed fund, businesses can achieve far greater impact than acting alone — with confidence that funding is well-governed, targeted and effective.
Build trusted local partnerships
CFSurrey provides insight, due diligence and impact reporting — helping businesses give strategically without the administrative burden.
Creating Shared Value
The Strategic Transformation Fund shows how charitable giving can create shared value — helping charities adapt and thrive, while enabling businesses to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of Surrey.
By investing in transformation, donors are not just funding projects — they are strengthening the systems that support communities for the long term.
Join Us
If your business wants to make a difference that is measurable, strategic and lasting, the Strategic Transformation Fund offers a powerful opportunity to invest in Surrey’s future.
Find out more about Corporate Giving here Corporate Giving in Surrey or contact our Fund Development Manager, Zoe Coltart, on zoe@cfsurrey.org.uk or 01483 958307.