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Trying to become a charity
Submitted by Martin Davies on 22 April, 2008 - 10:45.
Hi all.
One group I'm involved with (didn't duck when they were looking for help) is setting up as a new charity. Don't ask em why, but thats the route they are going down.
The problem comes with the recent change in charity law.
Can register as a company quite easily still, as many charities do.
But to register as a charity they charity commission now requires £5k in the bank or else solid promises of money that will be available once charity number given (ie funder can only give to charity but has allocated the money for the company).
I'm pushing regular giving and some money has been donated or promised by local churches.
But can't become a charity until we have this £5k in the bank or promised by letter.
Any suggestions?
I've rung a few trusts that I have a good relationship with, none of the admin staff had even heard of the new requirement so had no idea about how the charity would see a request.
The money jusy has to be in the bank a short time - can be spent as the charity requires thereafter.
Just getting to that point.
Any ideas from the forums?
Many thanks.
Martin Davies
mart2306@hotmail.com
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Going on what they say
The problem comes in that the organisation is listening to what the charity commission staff on the phone are telling them.
They will become a charity, there's no problem in getting money together over the course of time.
Just whether it takes months or years. :)
Registration
Hi, Martin
I haven't done a registration myself since the new regs came in, but as I understand it, if you're aiming realistically to exceed the threshold they will allow you to register.
And they prefer to do it online - they are promising very quick turnaround if it's done online and everything is standard.
Cheers
Gerry
Gerry Beldon FInstF
Director, 26-01 CIC
www.26-01.com
No problem
I've no problem with them being a charity.
The work certainly needs doing, they will fill a niche that isn't covered by any group in the area and would potentially make a difference in many lives.
Getting started seems to be harder than it used to be.
The £5,000 to register being the initial stumbling block. Can manage to get the money, the question being whether in a few months or a couple of years.
Then charity just wants £100,000 a year to run (might need to talk them down a bit from that, say by 50% to start off with).
Oh, and will probably generate a new job for a fundraiser (not me).
Martin
Small Charity Registration
The key word is Register - they will still be a charity, but can't register until they hit the magic number.
I'd probably look at some form of words along the lines of "A Charitable Association" - can always tell potential donors of the intention to register.
I'm more interested in your querulous tone - is there a reason why you don't think they should be a Charity?
Cheers
Gerry
Gerry Beldon FInstF
Director, 26-01 CIC
www.26-01.com