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Setting up or closing a charity

Find out what you need to do to set up and register or close a charity in England and Wales.

All charities in England and Wales must have purposes which are exclusively charitable and operate for the public benefit.

See guidance on charitable purposes and public benefit.

Set up and register a charity

The step-by-step guide will take you through the process of setting up and registering your charity.

Replace or change an existing charity

Find out how to convert an unincorporated association or trust to a charitable company or CIO, plus other types of conversion.

Exempt and excepted charities

Some charities are exempt or ‘excepted’ from registration with the Charity Commission. Our guides explain what this means and which charities it applies to.

Closing a charity

Published 27 September 2023