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The essentials of running a great charity

From first registration to ongoing governance — Charity Essentials brings together the guidance, tools and service providers that help UK charities operate with confidence and quality.

Getting Started Guide Services Directory
📋
Register your charityStep-by-step with the Charity Commission
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Choose the right structureCIO, Trust, Limited Company — explained clearly
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Fundraising basicsGrants, Gift Aid, events and more
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Find a service providerVetted suppliers for charities of all sizes
Start Here

Your early years journey

Starting a charity is one of the most meaningful things you can do. These four stages cover the essentials — from the idea to a fully operational organisation.

1
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Define your purpose

Your charitable purpose must be for the public benefit. It must fall within one of the 13 recognised heads of charity under the Charities Act 2011.

Charity Commission guidance →
2
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Choose your structure

CIO, unincorporated association, charitable company or trust — each has different implications for trustees, liability and governance.

Compare structures →
3
✍️

Write your constitution

Your governing document is the most important legal document your charity will have. The Commission provides model constitutions to help you get it right.

Model documents →
4
✅

Register & operate

Once registered, you'll need to file annual reports, maintain proper accounts, and ensure your trustees understand their legal duties.

Reporting requirements →
Legal Structures

Which constitution is right for you?

The legal form of your charity affects everything — from trustee liability to how you can hold property. Here's a clear comparison.

Most Popular

Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

Created specifically for charities. Trustees benefit from limited liability without the complexity of company law. Registered directly with the Charity Commission. Available as a Foundation or Association model.

Limited liability Charity Commission only No Companies House
Established Organisations

Charitable Company (Ltd by Guarantee)

A company limited by guarantee, also registered as a charity. Dual regulation — Charity Commission and Companies House. More complex but well-understood by banks and funders.

Limited liability Dual registration Full company law
Small & Community Groups

Unincorporated Association

The simplest form — governed by a constitution and rules. No legal personality, so trustees may be personally liable. Suitable for small groups with limited risk.

No incorporation Simple setup Personal liability risk
Services Directory

Find the right provider for your charity

Trusted organisations that provide cost-effective services to UK charities — from accountancy to IT, insurance to training.

All Services
Finance
Governance
Fundraising
IT & Tech
Legal
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Governance

Trust Advice

Specialist charity governance — CIO conversions, policies, set-up, Gift Aid and a membership programme for ongoing support.

trustadvice.org.uk →
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Finance

Charities SORP

The Statement of Recommended Practice for charity accounts — the definitive guide to preparing compliant annual accounts.

charitysorp.org →
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Finance

HMRC Gift Aid

Official government guidance on claiming Gift Aid — add 25% to eligible donations at no cost to donors.

gov.uk/claim-gift-aid →
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Governance

NCVO

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations — guidance, training, sector research and membership for voluntary organisations.

ncvo.org.uk →
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Fundraising

Fundraising Regulator

Regulates charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Access the Code of Fundraising Practice free.

fundraisingregulator.org.uk →
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Fundraising

Charities Aid Foundation

Donor giving accounts, payroll giving, international grant-making and financial services designed specifically for charities.

cafonline.org →
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Fundraising

The National Lottery Community Fund

The UK's largest community funder — grants from £300 to millions for voluntary and community organisations across the UK.

tnlcommunityfund.org.uk →
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IT & Tech

TechSoup UK

Discounted and donated technology — software, hardware and cloud services — exclusively for registered charities and non-profits.

techsoup.org.uk →
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Legal

Charity Commission

The regulator for charities in England and Wales. Free legal guidance, model documents, and registration services.

charitycommission.gov.uk →
Fundraising Basics

Building your income foundations

Every charity needs a diversified income strategy. Here are the key sources most early-stage charities should be developing.

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Grants from trusts and foundations

Grant-making trusts provide core and project funding to charities. Start with the National Lottery Community Fund, local foundations, and sector-specific trusts.

National Lottery Community Fund →
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Gift Aid — claim what you're owed

If your donors pay UK income tax, you can claim 25p for every £1 they donate through Gift Aid. Many small charities leave thousands on the table by not claiming.

HMRC Gift Aid guidance →
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Events and community fundraising

Fundraising events build community and donor relationships alongside income. The Fundraising Regulator's Code covers everything you need to run compliant events.

Fundraising Code →
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Online giving platforms

Platforms like JustGiving, Enthuse and PayItForward make it easy to accept online donations. Most integrate Gift Aid claims automatically.

Enthuse for charities →
Featured — Charity Support Partner

Need expert charity support?

Since 1996, Trust Advice has been helping charities across the UK with governance, set-up, Gift Aid, policies and trustee support. From policy writing and board away-days to CIO conversions — practical, experienced help at every stage of your charity's journey.

Visit trustadvice.org.uk →
Trust Advice — 30 years of great charity governance
30
Years in the charity sector
400+
Charities set up & supported
200+
Policies, templates & briefings
£12
Membership from per month