Proposed rule changes on fundraising announced

From this Autumn rules are changing which should make it easier for charities to access money donated in a fundraising campaign that did not reach or exceed its planned target. The Charities Act 2022 received royal assent in February and a plan has now been implemented by the government. The department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will complete a statutory review of the Act every 3-5 years following the grant of Royal Assent.

What measures are set to come into force?

Autumn 2022

In the autumn of 2022 changes are expected to be made in the following areas:

• Power to amend Royal Charters
• Ex gratia payments
• Remuneration to trustees for providing goods and services to their organisation

Future planned changes

Spring 2023

In the spring of 2023 changes are expected to be made in the following areas:

• Permanent endowment
• Charity land
• Amendments of the Universities and College Estates Act 1925

Autumn 2023

In the autumn of 2023 changes are expected to be made in the following areas:

• Charity constitutions
• Powers relating to appointment of trustees
• Remuneration of charity trustees
• Charity mergers

The implementation of the changes will be led by the department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) alongside the Charity Commission additional government departments will become involved when needed.

How can we help?

At Hawsons we recognise that not-for-profit organisations have very different requirements from other businesses and are currently exposed to a challenging economic climate.

Our dedicated team fully understands the complex, ever-changing regulatory requirements of the charity and not-for-profit sector. Irrespective of your size we wish to support you to maximise the benefits you could achieve through our specialist professional advice.

Charities & not-for-profit organisations are currently facing extensive changes in their regulatory and legal framework. Given the additional pressures on fundraising, complex tax regimes, internal risk exposure, and stakeholder demands, it has never been more important to obtain specialist professional advice.