The Institute of Fundraising will receive £310,000 a year for the next three years from the Office of the Third Sector to continue its gift aid programme.

Fundraisers and charities unsure of the skills they need in order to raise money effectively can now turn to the new National Occupational Standards for guidance following their publication in April.

Odstock Private Care Ltd (OPCL), the private healthcare organisation which failed to gain charitable status in September 2007 because its fees were too high, has successfully set up a charitable trust.

Tony Blair's new Faith Foundation will not be inviting open applications for grants once it launches, but will set clear funding criteria for its project partners.