Solicitors for setting up a charity

Choosing the correct legal structure is important and our experienced Charity Law solicitors  are able to advise you on the optimum arrangement for your organisation.

We will guide you as to the most suitable structure, considering each of the following options

  • A company limited by guarantee which charitable status (a charitable company)
  • A charitable trust
  • A charitable incorporated organisation (permitted under the 2006 Charity’s Act)
  • An unincorporated association
  • A voluntary organisation Whichever structure is applicable, we attend to the complete registration process.

Establishing a charity is collaborative in nature and requires input from the organisation to be successful. We have therefore devised affordable charity registration packages which allow organisations greater or lesser involvement in the registration process to cater for all budgets whilst ensuring that the structure you are putting in place are appropriate and will serve your charity for years to come.

Bronze charity start up package (most affordable)

This option is an affordable option for clients who require light touch guidance and a governing document based upon our firm’s template. We would expect you to complete the Charity Commission application form, as much as possible, and we would provide general guidance on where the application can be improved and any ‘gaps’ which the Charity Commission would pick up on. Under this option we would:-

  • Advising on an appropriate charity structure for your organisation.
  • Preparation of Model Constitution – this will be based upon model documents which we have developed in a form which will be acceptable to the Charity Commission
  • Registration with Companies House (if applicable)
  • Review of Charity Commission application and feedback – you will complete the charity commission application form and we will provide one review and feedback.

Silver package

This option will be for clients who still require a template governing document, however, may not have the time to complete the Charity Commission Application Form. For this option we would provide you with our firm’s bespoke questionnaire which breaks down the Charity Commission’s own application into a format which is easy to understand. We would provide advice and guidance on this and then draft the Charity Commission application based upon this and submit the application on your behalf. For this option we would:-

  • Advising on an appropriate charity structure for your organisation.
  • Preparation of Model Constitution – this will be based upon model documents which we have developed in a form which will be acceptable to the Charity Commission
  • Registration with Companies House (if applicable)
  • Drafting Charity Commission application – our approach will be either to meet with you and go through the Charity Commission application in the meeting answering the relevant questions and providing advice on this or providing you with a bespoke questionnaire with accessible questions designed to guide you through the charity application process
  • Submission of Charity Commission application and dealing with any follow up queries raised by Charity Commission

Gold package

This option will be for clients who require a bespoke governing document, with tailored provisions regarding how Directors are appointed, any amendments to the governing document and what happens to the Charity’s assets upon dissolution. This option will be for organisations with complex structures usually with a wider membership and who have outside bodies who are involved with the decision making process.

  • Advising on an appropriate charity structure for your organisation.
  • Preparation of Bespoke Constitution – the preparation of a bespoke constitution will be relevant if your organisation has a complex charity structure
  • Registration with Companies House (if applicable)
  • Opening a bank account with Metro Bank
  • Drafting of bespoke Constitution for complex charity structures
  • Drafting Charity Commission application – meeting with client or client complete bespoke questionnaire with easily accessible questions designed to guide the client through the charity application process
  • Submission of Charity Commission application and dealing with any follow up queries raised by Charity Commission
  • Registration with HMRC
  • Guidance on Gift Aid

Call Kate Pipe for details of our service levels and associated fees for setting up your charity on 020 3831 2666 or by email enquiries@wellerslawgroup.com