Charitable Trusts

Information about setting up and managing charitable trusts in the UK. Topics include legal requirements, tax benefits, fundraising rules and comparisons with other charitable structures.

Advantages of Charitable Trusts

Set up a charitable trust to give to causes you care about while getting tax breaks on donations and investment income.

Appealing for Funds

Charitable trusts must follow legal rules when raising funds, including having a defined beneficiary and using donations only for stated purposes.

Charitable vs. Non-Charitable Trusts

Understand how charitable and non-charitable trusts differ in their legal status, tax treatment, and how they're used under British law.

Checklist: Is a Charitable Trust Right for Us?

Work out if a charitable trust suits your organisation with this practical checklist of key qualifying requirements.

Establishing a Charitable Trust

Set up a charitable trust with a trust deed to donate tax-efficiently and manage your charitable giving properly.

Recent Legal Reform

The 2006 Charities Act reformed UK charity law by defining charitable purposes and introducing public benefit requirements for organisations.

Rules on Character

Charitable trusts must serve the public benefit and meet specific legal purposes defined in the Charities Act 2006.

Tax Effectiveness

Charitable trusts offer significant tax benefits including Gift Aid advantages and exemptions from income and inheritance taxes on transferred assets.

Top Tips for Deciding on Suitable Beneficiaries

Help trustees choose beneficiaries for charitable trusts by assessing needs, staying within budget and making decisions you can defend.

What Are the Alternatives to a Charitable Trust?

Other ways to set up a charity besides using a trust structure, and when each option works best.

What Is a Charitable Trust?

A charitable trust lets you give to charity in a tax-efficient way while keeping control of how your money is used.