Charities, Philanthropy & Non-Profit
There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to philanthropy. Some clients have been philanthropists for all their lives; others may have reached a point where they wonder how their wealth can really make a difference to the world in which they live.
The reasons for setting up a charity, not-for-profit organisation or foundation vary widely, however some clients want to enshrine a culture of philanthropy as a value of their family for the long term; others might just enjoy the feeling of giving back to society; and some may want to leave a lasting legacy. While the motivations for giving may be simple, getting it right can be more complex.
Advice for philanthropists and charities can encompass anything from setting up charitable trusts to benefit a number of charities, leaving a legacy to a general, grant-giving favourite charity in a will, including a charity as a beneficial class under a trust or utilising a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) or creating a specific charity, non-profit or foundation to fulfil a specific aim. Whatever route you take, Boodle Hatfield has a range of experience in all areas of the Third Sector enabling us to support you through the whole lifecycle.
How we help
- Creating charities, non-profits (Community Investment Company) and foundations in the UK and internationally – We regularly advise on establishing and registering grant-making foundations and operating charities & non-profits including the initial set up and registration with the relevant third-sector regulators.
- Philanthropic governance – We ensure that governance of the charity, foundation or philanthropic endeavour is effective and in-line with the Charity Commission governance regulations and also utilising Corporate Governance best practice where applicable. We advise on day-to-day issues ensuring they can be resolved practically and quickly.
- Tax and philanthropy – At Boodle Hatfield we can advise on all aspects of tax in respect of your philanthropy giving.
- Individual or corporate giving – We regularly advise our clients, including family offices, on how best to achieve their charitable and corporate social responsibility aims through a DAF, which enables clients to undertake philanthropy in a low profile, low risk manner.
- Philanthropy disputes – We advise on disputes which may arise over bequests to their organisations and on resolving issues involving charities.
Recommended reading
Changes to the “non-dom” regime which took effect from 6 April 2025 will significantly impact African individuals relocating to or already living in the UK. In the fourth instalment of our ‘Out of Africa’ series, Partner, Julie Howard and Associate, Annabella King explore how families and individuals can navigate the new rules – including the favourable four-year FIG regime and transitional reliefs – and highlight the importance of careful pre-arrival and ongoing planning.
Read more 03 Jun 2025 A New Investor Visa – Why Now?The UK has a critical opportunity to restore its appeal to HNW individuals by reintroducing an investor visa route. In WealthBriefing, Immigration Partner, Zoe Jacob, argues that such a visa is essential to complement the new Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime and attract much-needed global investment.
Read more 02 Jun 2025 Clare Stirzaker speaks at the Family Business UK Annual Conference 2025This Thursday at the Family Business UK Annual Conference, Partner, Clare Stirzaker joins James Wates at Wates Group to reflect on the core purpose at the heart of the Wates Principles and how family businesses can report authentically to build stakeholder trust.
Read more 27 May 2025 Silver linings in replacement for UK non-dom regimeFollowing a flurry of criticism of the previous ‘non-dom’ tax regime, a new ‘foreign income and gains’ system is now being introduced. Senior Associate, Laura Cullinane suggests there may be a silver lining to this change, as it could encourage greater investment in the UK.
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