Registering a Charity
How to register a charity with the Charity Commission for England & Wales.
Overview
If your organisation has charitable purposes and wants to operate as a registered charity in England & Wales, you must register with the Charity Commission if your annual income exceeds £5,000 (or you want to operate as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation at any income level). Registration provides public accountability, tax advantages, and the ability to use 'registered charity' status in fundraising.
Who Can Use This Process
- Your organisation is established for exclusively charitable purposes
- It provides public benefit (not just private benefit to members)
- It is based in England or Wales
- Annual income exceeds £5,000 (or any income for CIOs)
Step-by-Step Process
Choose Your Legal Structure
Decide whether to register as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), charitable company limited by guarantee, unincorporated charitable association, or charitable trust. CIOs are recommended for new charities as they provide limited liability without Companies House registration.
Draft Your Governing Document
Prepare a constitution (CIO), memorandum and articles (company), trust deed, or rules (association). The Charity Commission provides model documents. The document must set out charitable purposes, objects, and powers.
Appoint Trustees
Recruit at least 3 trustees (charity law recommends a minimum of 3). Trustees must be over 16 and not be disqualified. Carry out due diligence checks.
Apply Online
Submit your application through the Charity Commission's online service. You will need to provide the governing document, trustee details, a description of your charitable purposes, and information about planned activities and income.
Respond to Queries
The Charity Commission may ask questions about your purposes, activities, or governance. Respond promptly and fully to avoid delays.
Registration Decision
If the Commission is satisfied that your organisation is charitable, it will be entered on the Register of Charities. You will receive a registered charity number.
Costs
Important Warnings
All trustees have legal duties and personal liability for the charity's affairs.
Political campaigning is permitted but must be in furtherance of charitable purposes — a body whose main purpose is political cannot be a charity.
Charities must file annual returns and accounts with the Charity Commission.