Whether you are an experienced donor or just starting out, we offer strategic advice that aligns with your values and ambitions. We help individuals, families and business owners shape their philanthropic vision through new charities, corporate foundations or donor-advised funds.
Our clients range from philanthropists and small charities to university colleges, art associations, livery companies, religious bodies, social care providers and grant-making foundations. There is an ever-growing shift in how people want to see their wealth used – it is about making a difference, building legacy and creating a meaningful connection between your wealth and your personal values. Our advice is practical, tax-efficient and designed to support meaningful impact, both now and for future generations.
Charity formation and registration: We support clients through the full lifecycle of establishing a charity, including:
- Advising on the most appropriate legal structure:
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- Charitable trusts
- Charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs)
- Charitable companies limited by guarantee
- Drafting charitable objects and governing documents
- Registering with the Charity Commission and HMRC
- Establishing English and Welsh branches of international charities
- Advising on complex or innovative charitable purposes
Governance and operational support: We help charities navigate the evolving regulatory landscape with confidence. Our support includes governance reviews, updates to governing documents, changes to charitable objects or names and the drafting of key policies. We also advise on compliance matters such as property transactions, investment of charitable assets, and Charity Commission approvals. Day-to-day, we assist with grant-making, trustee meetings and changes to trustee boards.
Restructuring and strategic change: When circumstances shift, we are on hand to support charities through mergers, incorporations and restructurings. We also advise on winding up or dissolving charities where appropriate, always with sensitivity and care.
An integrated service: Our charity and philanthropy work is underpinned by a full-service offering. We collaborate across departments, including Real Estate, Corporate, Employment, Data Protection and Intellectual Property to provide comprehensive advice. Where international elements arise, we coordinate seamlessly with trusted foreign counsel. Many of our lawyers also serve as charity trustees, giving us valuable first-hand insight into the sector’s challenges and ambitions.
Recent experience:
- Working with one of the world’s most celebrated living British artists on structuring a lasting philanthropic legacy through art.
- Dealing with the charity registration application for Concerts for Carers (CfC), a charity focused on improving the mental health and wellbeing of NHS workers through music.
- Advising a faith charity on the charity law aspects of the sale and leaseback of a strategic portfolio of 26 London sites.
- Re-structuring various faith and religious charities into charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs).
- Advising on a dual qualified UK-US charity and on donations of significant multi-jurisdictional assets, including cash, real estate, intellectual property and personal possessions.
