Unincorporated groups

Registered Charity (unincorporated)

To be used alongside the template:

Download Template

The Charity Commission provide a template for the unincorporated charity model that can be downloaded here.

It is a very straightforward option compared to the incorporated options of CIO Association and Foundation models with clear guidance notes on how to complete and personalise the document.

Key areas to note are:

• Checking your proposed organisation name is not already in use. Do this by entering it into: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search
• Checking your charity objects pass the public benefit test and are wholly charitable - see specific guidance
• Confirming numbers for the quorum, this is the number of members needed to be at a meeting in order for a vote valid. This should be set with care. If it is too high, any absences may make it difficult to have a valid meeting. If it is too low, a small minority may be able to impose its views unreasonably

Small Charity – unincorporated organisation

The Charity Commission provide a template for small charities. This is intended for organisations with an income of less than £5,000 who don’t own a building or employ people and do not intend to register with the Charity Commission.

As this is an unregistered organisation the constitution document is simple with only a few editable sections

• Although there is no need to check your name against existing charity it is a good idea to, especially if you feel that your organisation might grow over time. You can check online at: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search
• As an unregistered charity your charity objects don’t need to pass the public benefit test but you may want to refer to the Charity Commissions definitions of charity purposes.
• You can refine your membership, the template provides some basic guidance on membership you can refine this further with parameters of membership such as living in the area of benefit, over 18, with a specific health condition.
• You need to enter a number of members present at an AGM it is a good idea to add both a number and percentage of membership to allow flexibility for example 3 members or 10% whichever is greater.

Next Topic: Community Interest Companies (CIC)