Legal Criteria for Charities

It is important that there are a set of guidelines to say who can claim to be a charity and who cannot. The reason for this is that people need to be sure that organisations they are donating to are genuine charities. There are a set of criteria that an organisation must fall under to be considered a charity by UK law. A Charity must be working to fulfil one of the following goals.

Relief of Poverty

This includes organisation who work to prevent poverty, as well as those who help people suffering due to living in poverty. There are certain criteria that dictate what counts as poverty. This umbrella includes those working to prevent and relieve poverty both in the UK and internationally.

Human Rights

Those who act for positive human rights or promote human right can apply for charity status under this criteria. This includes treatment by governments, and anything connected to war, or the resolution of conflicts. A vast array of areas are included, from domestic abuse to major conflicts around the world.

Advancement of Education

Those who provide education fall under this category. Many areas are considered as education, not just education in institutions such as schools, colleges and universities. Adult education, as well as specialist education for those with learning difficulties and other disadvantages are included. Organisations who assist with person development can also apply for charity status under this heading. It doesn’t just cover those who provide education, but those who promote education as well.

Advancement of Health

This mainly consists of those providing medical help; whether it is actually treating those with medical issues or the distribution of medicines to those in need. Medical research, as well as education around health are covered, as are anyone who promote methods to prevent health problems.

Advancement of Religion

This is a controversial area as some don’t believe that religious groups should be able to apply for charity status. Groups who promote and educate within all religions can be included in this area. It isn’t just pro-religion groups though, atheist groups are also covered here.

Art, Heritage and Science

Like religion, not everyone agrees this is an area of charity, as it isn’t having the obvious effect of health and poverty on people’s lives. Those involved in these areas can be considered charities as they can be in the greater public interest, and it is considered important that art and heritage interests are maintained. Historic sites come under this section of charity law.

Animal Welfare

This includes those acting against the cruelty of animals, as well as those who promote animal welfare. Charities working on behalf of all animals come under this umbrella.

Advancement of amateur Sport

Coming under this area are organisations who work to improve amateur sport, and give opportunities to people to take part in sport. A large number of organisations within this area are those who work within disabled sport.

The Armed Forces

This is those who promote or assist in improving the efficiency of the armed forces. This includes those working on improving safety for service men and women, and those who help injured veterans and the families of those affected by the loss of those within the armed forces.

Relief of those in need, by reasons of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial disadvantage or other disadvantage

These are organisations who help people disadvantaged due to the above issues. A large part of this are organisations assisting those with disabilities. The poor and those with mental health issues are amongst the many areas included.

Andrew Marshall ©

Stone King Sewell are a nationally reputed Charity Solicitors.