charity set up & advice
How to Start a Charity - 4 Key Points When Starting a Charity
1. Trustees
When starting a charity you have to get a group of “Trustees” together to manage the charity. There must be a minimum of 2 people, but is usually best to have more. It is important to have trustees who are enthusiastic and passionate for the charity to achieve its aims. It is also helpful to have people who have particular skills to bring to the management of the charity. For example, an accountant can help with finances; a business person could help with marketing and business planning and a solicitor could help with any legal issues.
It may also be useful to have trustees who have experience of the causes you are furthering, so if you are running a charity for people for disabilities, then it may be helpful to have a disabled person acting as a trustee, as it is likely that they will know who to help those people in the best way. We can help in trying to find you trustees with the relevant skills.
2. Governing Document
You will need to have a “Governing Document”. This is a legal document that sets the rules for how the charity will operate and manage itself. One common form of governing document is a Constitution and this is great way of managing a Community Centre, for example. There are other types of governing document and we can advise you which is the most suitable for your charity and we can also provide the actual documents themselves.
3. Charitable Purpose
You will also need to be clear on what your “Charitable Purpose” is before you start. For example, your charity may be helping people in poverty, or may be helping children in Africa to get a better education. There are strict legal criteria on what is charitable and what isn’t. Not everything that is good for the community for example, may be charitable. We have a clear understanding of what the law considers to be charitable and therefore can give you the precise wording that you will need to go on and become a charity.
4. Banking
The last major thing you will need when starting up a charity is have a bank account in the name of the charity. At this stage you will not be able to open a “Charity Account” as you are not yet a charity. However, you can open a “treasurer’s” account or a “Community” account. Many high street banks and building societies have such accounts and we can advise of those in your area which offer you this service.
Contact us now to find out more about how to start a charity
Please get in touch today if you would like more information on how to start your own charity.
Registering a Charity
If you are considering registering a charity it’s important to remember The Charity Commission can only register organisations that do only charitable works. What is charitable is laid down in law and this can be complex.
We have a comprehensive knowledge of what can be a charity and what can’t. We can advise as to whether what you are doing or hope to do can be charitable or not, there by saving you time and effort, not to mention money.
Whether or not you have already set up a charity we can offer expert advice and guidance on the steps necessary for registering a charity.
Help and Advice on Registering a Charity in the UK
In most circumstances, with our in-depth knowledge, we can ensure that the application you make will be able to achieve charitable status. We won’t waste your time if it is not possible, alternatively we will advise what activities you could do in order to become a charity.
We will ensure that we provide the Commission with all the necessary information and documentation at the time of application to avoid unhelpful delays wasting your time and which will allow you to get on with running your charity just as soon as you can.
Contact us now if you’re interested in registering as a charity
We can provide you with professional help and guidance to ensure your charity gets the best possible start.
Confidentiality
We treat every client with full confidentiality on a one to one basis
Fees
We offer one free initial consultation whereby you can discuss your case with us and we can assess your case
