1.
WHICH STRUCTURE WOULD BE BEST FOR ME?
At a glance, the pros and cons of the most common structures. Read my online guide for all the options, with more
information on each. There are links to my other guides below.
Unincorporated Association
CIO – Foundation Model
CIO – Association Model
Charitable Company
Charitable Trust
Community Interest
Company (CIC)
Best for
Small organisations with no staff
or major contracts
Any charity, slightly less work than
association model
Any charity, a bit more accountable
than foundation model
For secured borrowing, such as
mortgage
Trading goods/ services, business
image, paid staff on Board and
less restrictive
Watch Out For……
Less protection for trustees,
income below £5k
Secured borrowing may
be an issue
Secured borrowing may
be an issue
Subject to 2 regulators,
£5k income
Less protection for trustees,
new regulations, £5k income
No charitable
tax reliefs
Benefits Start Up Costs
Charitable
Tax Relief1 Fundraising2 Registration
Cost3 Time
Yes Not as good
Don’t pay
anyone,
it’s easy
Less than
a week
Yes Best
Most
providers
£700-£1000
6+ months
Yes Best
Most
providers
£700-£1000
6+ months
Yes Best
Most
providers
£700-£1000
6+ months
Yes Best
Most
providers
£700-£1000
6+ months
No
More
difficult
£100 - £200
Less than
a month
1. Charitable Tax Relief - often the most important one is Gift Aid. Here are my guides on opening a free charity bank account and HMRC registration.
2. Fundraising - trusts, companies and the public tend to be more willing to donate to a registered charity.
3. Registration Cost - internet survey by myself, including VAT and additional charges for policies. I provide a low cost, friendly service, with no additional charges, or use my online guide to
register yourself, at no cost. Need some help to get started? Contact me for ‘sales talk free’ advice on 07595 371 444, or charityexcellence@gmail.com.
This is a very simple, summary guide to complex legal issues and does not constitute professional advice