CAF’s private clients/trusts team scooped the ‘Philanthropy Team of the Year’ award at the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Private Client Awards.

CAF’s head of private clients/trusts Mike Packham said: “The past year has been an exciting and challenging time for everyone working in philanthropy due to greater interest from both philanthropists and politicians and the pressure many charities are feeling as a result of funding cuts.”

Chair of the STEP Awards Martyn Gowar said: “The Charities Aid Foundation Trust team demonstrated a high degree of professionalism in their dealings with a diverse range of clients, as well as a passion and commitment to philanthropy that has lasted over several years.”

In the last year, the team opened 174 new CAF charitable trust accounts for major donors. It increased the amount given to charities by 25%, distributing over £158m. The team also provides advice and seminars on philanthropy.

A CAF charitable trust allows philanthropists to manage their donations to UK charities and to make international grants and social investments. CAF acts as the trustees and manages the administration of the trusts. Clients can also donate the proceeds of a property sale, works of art or shares through a CAF charitable trust.

Packham has noticed a trend towards more people from the City setting up CAF charitable trusts, partly thanks to the effort CAF has made to work collaboratively with investment and private banks. Packham thinks bankers are also reacting to the negative publicity around bonuses. “We have also noticed that new donors want more advice and  want to be more engaged as well as seeing the impact of their money.”

The STEP Private Client Awards were held on 15 September 2011 in London. The other shortlisted candidates for this award were:

• Geneva Global
• JP Morgan Private Bank
• Strategic Philanthropy Ltd
• Wise - philanthropy advisors