Setting up a Charity
Charities behave both like businesses and people and advice to charities and their trustees
needs to reflect this unique mixture. Many charities' requirements are similar to those of other
businesses (employment issues, buying or leasing property, entering into contacts, protecting
intellectual property and trademarks) but throughout their activities the added burden of charity
law must be considered. Charities also have unique requirements particularly in the areas of
governance, fund-raising and taxation. Use the headings below to find out more about how we can
work with you to achieve your goals.
Charities will not usually need to trouble the Charity Commission after initial registration
save for the submission of annual returns where necessary. However where a charity wishes to do
something beyond the powers given to it in its constitution then an application to the Charity
Commission may be necessary.
Such a requirement might arise if the charity wishes to amend its constitution to expand its
activities; or where it wishes to pay a trustee for certain services or to enter into some
transaction with a trustee; or to have the Commission sanction an "ex gratia" payment.
Useful guidance on many matters can be found on the Commission's website, see in particular: CC36 - Trustee expenses and
payments; CC11 - Changing your Charity's governing document; CC7 - Ex Gratia Payments by
Charities.
For more information please contact Daniel Simon.