Ramadhan is a time when many community organisations and Mosques benefit from the generosity of Muslim people. Many organisations don’t realise that by registering with the Charity Commission the money they are given could go even further, helping them to make an even greater impact on their communities.

This Ramadhan the Charity Commission, the independent regulator of Charities in England and Wales, is encouraging organisations that think they might have charitable status to contact them on 0845 300 0218 to find out how they can register.

There are many benefits of registering as a charity. Charities registered with the Charity Commission:

* Have the benefit of a charity registration number and the badge/brand of charity, increasing public trust and confidence in their organisation.

* Can maximise the financial benefit of donations through Gift Aid arrangements. This means that currently for every £1.00 donated through Gift Aid charities can claim back up to 28p from the government.

* Benefit from generous tax breaks – they do not normally have to pay income/corporation tax, capital gains tax, or stamp duty, and gifts to charities are free of inheritance tax. Have access to free expert advice and tailored guidance from the Charity Commission.

Registering as a charity is not a complicated process, visit the Commission’s website:
www.charitycommission.gsi.gov.uk or call 0845 300 0218 for further information.