Legal Criteria For Charities

It is important that there are a set of guidelines toThis is a controversial area as some don't believe
say who can claim to be a charity and who cannot.that religious groups should be able to apply for
The reason for this is that people need to be surecharity status. Groups who promote and educate
that organisations they are donating to are genuinewithin all religions can be included in this area. It isn't
charities. There are a set of criteria that anjust pro-religion groups though, atheist groups are
organisation must fall under to be considered aalso covered here.
charity by UK law. A Charity must be working to fulfillArt, Heritage and Science
one of the following goals.Like religion, not everyone agrees this is an area of
Relief of Povertycharity, as it isn't having the obvious effect of health
This includes organisation who work to preventand poverty on people's lives. Those involved in
poverty, as well as those who help people sufferingthese areas can be considered charities as they can
due to living in poverty. There are certain criteria thatbe in the greater public interest, and it is considered
dictate what counts as poverty. This umbrellaimportant that art and heritage interests are
includes those working to prevent and relievemaintained. Historic sites come under this section of
poverty both in the UK and internationally.charity law.
Human RightsAnimal Welfare
Those who act for positive human rights or promoteThis includes those acting against the cruelty of
human right can apply for charity status under thisanimals, as well as those who promote animal
criteria. This includes treatment by governments, andwelfare. Charities working on behalf of all animals
anything connected to war, or the resolution ofcome under this umbrella.
conflicts. A vast array of areas are included, fromAdvancement of amateur Sport
domestic abuse to major conflicts around the world.Coming under this area are organisations who work
Advancement of Educationto improve amateur sport, and give opportunities to
Those who provide education fall under this category.people to take part in sport. A large number of
Many areas are considered as education, not justorganisations within this area are those who work
education in institutions such as schools, colleges andwithin disabled sport.
universities. Adult education, as well as specialistThe Armed Forces
education for those with learning difficulties and otherThis is those who promote or assist in improving the
disadvantages are included. Organisations who assistefficiency of the armed forces. This includes those
with person development can also apply for charityworking on improving safety for service men and
status under this heading. It doesn't just cover thosewomen, and those who help injured veterans and the
who provide education, but those who promotefamilies of those affected by the loss of those within
education as well.the armed forces.
Advancement of HealthRelief of those in need, by reasons of youth, age,
This mainly consists of those providing medical help;ill-health, disability, financial disadvantage or other
whether it is actually treating those with medicaldisadvantage
issues or the distribution of medicines to those inThese are organisations who help people
need. Medical research, as well as education arounddisadvantaged due to the above issues. A large part
health are covered, as are anyone who promoteof this are organisations assisting those with
methods to prevent health problems.disabilities. The poor and those with mental health
Advancement of Religionissues are amongst the many areas included.