Support with charity registration or becoming a CIO

Getting started

Once you have decided the best legal structure for your group, there are a range of resources available to help you get set up and registered with the appropriate body.

Set up a charity

The steps you need to take to set up a charity vary depending on the size of your charity and how you intend to operate. If your charity is relatively small and will have an annual income of less than £5,000, you can get set up using a Small Charity constitution and you do not need to register with the Charity Commission. Please see the template Small Charity Constitution in our resources section below.

If your charity’s income is at least £5,000 per year or you specifically wish to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), you will need to register your charity with the Charity Commission. When you apply you will be asked:

You’ll also need to give your charity’s:

  • name
  • bank or building society details
  • most recent accounts
  • contact details, including a postal address
  • trustees’ names, dates of birth and contact details
  • a copy of your charity’s governing document (in PDF format)

Find out more about setting up a CIO here: https://www.gov.uk/setting-up-charity/register-your-charity

Set up a Community Interest Company (CIC)

A CIC is a special type of limited company which exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders.

To set up a CIC, you’ll need:

  • a ‘community interest statement’, explaining what your business plans to do
  • an ‘asset lock’- a legal promise stating that the company’s assets will only be used for its social objectives, and setting limits to the money it can pay to shareholders
  • a constitution – you can use the CIC regulator’s model constitutions
  • to get your company approved by the community interest company regulator – your application will automatically be sent to them

The CIC regulator has guidance on setting up a CIC here

Featured training can go here

Currently this is an image u0026amp; text block. Will be switched to a featured training

Read more
Other useful links

  • Let’s Do Business

    A leading provider of business support, LDB support small business to develop and grow, through business consultancy, access to finance, marketing and business training, helping to create jobs in communities and grow the local economy

    Find out more

  • Rother Voluntary Action

    Supporting the voluntary sector across Rother

    Find out more

  • NCVO

    NCVO bring charities, voluntary organisations and trustees together to share ideas and best practice.

    Find out more

FAQs

  • How do I decide on the right legal structure?

    Try reading our Common Legal Structures for Groups resource to start with.

  • What’s the difference between a CIO and a CIC?

    The core difference is that a CIC (Community Interest Company) is a social enterprise designed to trade and make profits for community benefit, while a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) is a registered charity focused on grants, donations, and public benefit.

  • When should a group become a formal charity?

    A group should consider registering as a formal charity when its annual income hits £5,000, when it needs to hire staff, enter into commercial contracts, or lease property. Formal charity status grants credibility, access to specific grants, and tax benefits, but also imposes strict legal and financial reporting obligations.

  • How long does charity registration take?

    Charity registration in the UK typically takes between 10 to 40 working days for a straightforward application. However, the exact timeline varies based on your application and how long it takes you to prepare your governing documents.

  • What do we need before applying for charity status?

    Before applying for charity status, you must prepare specific organisational and legal foundations to pass regulatory review. In the UK, this process requires having a legal structure, a governing document, a minimum of three trustees, a charity bank account, and an explanation of your public benefit.

  • How many trustees do we need?

    A charity generally needs a minimum of three trustees. However, the exact minimum and maximum numbers required will be outlined in your charity’s governing document.

  • What responsibilities do charity trustees have?

    Charity trustees are the volunteers who hold overall legal and financial responsibility for governing a charity and directing its strategy.

Still can't find what you're looking for?

Please use the resources on this page first, but if you need further help with funding for your voluntary organisation, you can complete our online form.

Get in touch