information on starting a new charity...
Based on the few years experience we’ve had answering peoples questions around starting up a charity, here is our attempt at making the information that is available to you, more accessible. Starting your own charity is no quick and easy process so be prepared to do a lot of reading, thinking and decision-making. Most of your questions will be answered if you read the Charity Commission’s guidance thoroughly but where possible we have added additional links to information to help you further.
If your question is specific check our FAQs.
1) Is forming a charity the best way forward? Read the following guidance to help you make that decision.
Things to think about from the Charity Commission, and
Issues you should consider from Get Legal
2) Regardless of whether your charity will be registered with the Charity Commission or not, this following publication is invaluable. It includes information on charitable purposes, public benefit, advantages and limitations of being a charity, choosing a charity name, types of governing document, trustees and a whole lot more. Refer to this publication throughout.
Registering as a Charity (Charity Commission Publication Code CC21)
3) If your annual income is likely to be less than £5000 you are not required to register with the Charity Commission.
Read the Commission’s ‘Resources for very small charities’.
If you have questions after reading this, you should find the answers in our FAQs.
4) If you predict your annual income to exceed £5000 then look to register with the Charity Commission.
First read the Guidance on Registering
Then you must Choose and Prepare your Governing Document (CC22)
Use the Get Legal website to help decide which Governing Document to adopt
