Charitable status

Charities are organisations established with purposes that fall under one of thirteen charitable headings as set out in the Charities Act 2006. These purposes have evolved over 400 years. A charity's purposes must also benefit the public.

An organisation with charitable status is usually registered with the Charity Commission and has a charity number.

Charitable status brings considerable advantages, including in the area of fundraising, the organisation’s public profile and tax benefits – but also brings restrictions, particularly in the area of payments to trustees, trading, property transactions and political activities.

Organisations that meet the criteria for registration and the minimum threshold for registration must register with the Charity Commission.

The Charity Commission has model governing documents available and approved governing documents suitable for branches of some national bodies. 

The Commission also publish a list of model objects clauses, useful for new charities unsure as to how to write their objects in formal language.

Further guidance on charitable status is available from the Charity Commission.