Country Overview
Legal forms of philanthropic organizations included in the law: Association, Company Limited by Guarantee, Cooperative, Corporation, Endowment, Foundation, Limited Liability Company, Society, Trust, Charitable Incorporated Organization
Main social issues addressed by these organizations: Arts and Culture, Basic Needs, Health and Medical Research, Higher Education, Religion
Average time established by law to register a philanthropic organization: 31-60 days
Average cost for registering a philanthropic organization: USD 0
There are currently no charges to register with the Charity Commission. It does cost to register with Companies House in the case of charitable companies, and it might cost if a charitable trust is liable to pay stamp duty. There might be other costs, for instance legal fees, if the organization seeks legal advice in relation to registration.
Government levels primarily regulating the incorporation of philanthropic organizations: Central/Federal Government, State Government
Charity law and regulation is now devolved (for purposes other than taxation) in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Scotland and Northern Ireland now have their own regulators, which operate in a similar manner to the Charity Commission for England and Wales.