Setting up and running a charity shop is a complex undertaking. This guide provides basic information you will need to know if you decide to take up this method of raising awareness and funds for a charity.

Free-cycle is a network of groups matching people who have things they want to get rid of with people who can use them, for free. Things on offer can range from furniture and electronics to instruments or even bikes.

Online reuse platform that connects businesses, charities and people to enable them to reuse unwanted items within a global supply chain network creating a waste audit and social impact value for members.

In Kind Direct is a charity that matches surplus to need by providing free goods, from toys to office supplies, to charities. Registration is free, all that is paid is a handling charge when ordering goods.

UA is a full service Utility Consultancy which specialises in driving down the cost of energy for charities.  They make better use of your budgets by offering simple, clear and impartial advice on how to save money and make better energy purchasing decisions.

3Space offers charities free access to properties: only costs are insurance, set up, cleaning, promotion and sometimes utilities. They negotiate with landlords and deal with legal aspects of leases to offer charities a range of opportunities.

Meanwhile Space works with landlords, landowners, developers and local authorities and local communities to reanimate the space and provide opportunities for community benefit and social enterprise.

My Community Space is an online resource where charities can look for available space for hire, book courses on asset management and consult online resources about starting up and running a community organisation .

The Ethical Property Foundation offers independent advice and training, to help charities and community groups with all property affairs. Initial diagnostic work is free through some of their services.

The National Programme for Property Education offers voluntary and community organisations online resources and free workshops across England & Wales. Each event comprises a free half-day workshop, plus a free drop in advice clinic with experienced property professionals.

The Ethical Property Foundation offers independent advice and online resources covering a wide range of property issues for charities and community groups. 

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors offer a free one-hour-long consultation from a qualified surveyor on property matters to charities and voluntary organisations of all sizes to help them manage property more effectively.