In today’s world, where social and environmental challenges are increasingly entwined, the need for clear and measurable sustainability strategies has never been greater. For most charities, which are commonly mission-driven and focused on improving lives and addressing social issues globally, the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a powerful framework for turning mission and values into action.
By aligning with the SDGs, charities and not-for-profits can improve their operational effectiveness, help establish and maintain partnerships and open funding opportunities, all while demonstrating their commitment to making a broader impact.
What are the UN's SDGs?
In 2015, the UN introduced its SDGs – a collection of 17 global objectives as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The goals address the world’s most pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, health, education and sustainable economic growth.
Each goal is backed by specific targets and indicators, creating a comprehensive roadmap for governments, businesses and individuals to not only consider but actively contribute to a more inclusive and environmentally sustainable world. Far more than a global checklist, the 17 SDGs present a universal language and a blueprint that can help charities successfully structure their sustainability ambitions, strengthen partnerships and demonstrate tangible impact.
Source: UN.ORG
The role of SDGs in your charity’s strategy
It is often assumed that the SDGs are more relevant to governments and larger corporations, however, they offer charities of all sizes and operations the chance to drive meaningful change and demonstrate their impact.
Here’s how they can be used to influence your charity positively:
A clear framework to follow
The SDGs offer a practical framework with a ready-made structure for setting goals, measuring progress and ensuring day-to-day activities are aligned with long-term ambitions. This framework will give you the tools required to plan with purpose. To begin with, it is important to identify which of the 17 SDGs align with your charity objectives. For example, a charity focused on education may align with Goal 4: Quality Education, whereas health-focused charities may align with Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing.
Assessing where you are and envisioning where you want to be
Understanding your charity’s current position is the essential first step in your sustainability journey. This self-assessment will allow you to quickly identify areas of strength and prioritise those that may require more attention or improvement. It also encourages a commitment to sustainability that focuses on continuous improvement. Whether you’re at the beginning of your sustainability journey or it is something you’re already embedding across your charity, the SDGs can help you outline achievable targets that align with both your values and long-term ambitions.
Developing greater credibility and accountability
Adopting the SDGs as a framework to follow will demonstrate that your charity is committed to responsible and sustainable outcomes. It also signals that you’re serious about taking accountability and promoting responsible governance. This transparency not only builds trust with funders and partners but also positions your charity as impact-driven and, additionally, may open the door to new funding opportunities.
Using language that resonates
In today’s society, funders and partners are increasingly and actively seeking organisations whose work contributes to recognised frameworks, particularly those, like the SDGs, that reflect global priorities and have a positive and measurable impact. By positioning your ambitions to the SDGs, your charity can speak the same language as other charities, businesses and government bodies, which helps you to articulate your value in a way that is immediately recognisable and, once again, reveals that you are committed to sustainability and building a better world for future generations.
Establishing and strengthening partnerships
The SDGs can provide common ground for collaboration with new and existing partners. By aligning with them, your charity can quickly establish shared values and objectives with other organisations, highlighting opportunities for partnership and knowledge exchange. Nowadays, businesses are continuing to incorporate SDG commitments into their ESG strategies and policies, and prospective funders are increasingly looking to support initiatives and charitable work that reflect these global goals.
By utilising the SDGs correctly, your charity can become a more appealing partner, opening doors to new relationships, shared resources and a long-term sustainable impact that goes far beyond what any charity or organisation could achieve alone. You have the unique opportunity to enhance your visibility, as well as develop sustainable solutions.
Reporting and communicating progress
Being able to show the difference your charity is making has always been an important factor of consideration for any organisation, but today the way charities are expected to report and communicate their impact has changed. Now more than ever, people want to look beyond the data and statistics; they want to know the story behind the work and its positive impact. The SDGs offer a useful framework for doing just that.
By aligning with relevant SDGs, your charity can demonstrate how it contributes to something on a global scale. In reporting, the SDGs can help bring your work and story to life. Showing funders and supporters that you’re thinking long-term and measuring what matters. Whether it’s through your annual reports, website information, or social media, the SDGs can help you tell a more powerful and lasting story.
Future-proofing your organisation
In today’s society, sustainability is no longer a nice to have, it is becoming an essential. Utilising the SDGs can help you think more strategically about where your charity is heading. They reveal your long-term commitments to building a more sustainable world and, importantly, the SDGs show that you’re focused on doing things the right way. While strengthening your brand reputation and attracting new supporters.
Making a real difference
As we consider the ever-evolving sustainability landscape, the UN’s SDGs are here to provide you with a clear sense of direction. They’ll help you translate long-term goals and ambitions into digestible everyday action, while still keeping your charity’s vision and values at the heart of everything.
Though this transitional SDGs alignment period may feel like a big commitment at first, the long-term benefits, including greater impact, stronger partnerships and future-proofing your organisation, far outweigh any initial effort. It’s an ongoing opportunity to not only show your charity's positive impact but to make a real difference in building a better world for our future generations.
At UHY, we’re here to help you as your charity navigates the world of sustainability. To discover more about our ESG and sustainable business services, please get in touch with Harriet Hodgson-Grove.
Download our 2025/26 Charity and NFP Sector Outlook
This article is taken from our latest publication written by our team of charity experts and special guests. Read more about the latest Outlook and download it as a PDF here.
