How to raise enough money to become a charity

Marc1978

If you are a charitable organisation and have an income over £5,000 you must register as a charity. It's not just how you describe yourself but your governing document that determines if you are a charity or not.

There really isn't much red tape for small registered charities, it's not until you get over £25k that you have to send the charity commission your accounts and there is no requirement for external examination of accounts until you get over the £25k, unless it is specified in your governing document.

Even up to £250,000 you don't need an audit but can have an independent examination, this could be a retired account, bank manager etc.

heretolearn_2

Actually audit limit for charities is now £500,000.

It's well worth small organisations registering as charities IF you take advantage of things like gift aid. If you are running yourselves in a responsible way you should be preparing basic accounts anyway (and in a form that any reasonable numerate person can put together, you don't need an accountant) - and this is all you need for income under £25k.