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Philanthropy and charities

Expert philanthropy and charity law advice, ensuring impactful and sustainable contributions that make a difference.

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Philanthropy and charity law is complex and dynamic, requiring an understanding of the law, regulation and best practice.

Our team of specialist philanthropy and charity lawyers have extensive experience advising a range of charities, from local family grant-making foundations to universities and high-profile global charities.

As a charity, you need pragmatic and commercially focused advice to allow you to provide the best outcomes for your beneficiaries. Our specialist charity lawyers understand your perspective and share your passion for making a difference, and like the model of many charities, we work collaboratively.

Drawing on the expertise of other specialist groups within Burges Salmon we deliver a bespoke service tailored to your needs. Our services cover the full spectrum of legal support and expertise you need.

We help clients create and register charitable vehicles, navigate tax-efficient giving and ensure compliant governance. We also offer guidance on commercial and operational matters, including corporate partnerships, sponsorships and trading activities.

Where needed, we help charities ensure their rights, particularly regarding their brand, are protected.

Our philanthropy and charity lawyers provide an exceptionally wide range of solutions designed to address your unique challenges. From shaping philanthropic strategies to ensuring tax compliance, we provide comprehensive support and guidance.

Services

Shaping philanthropic strategy

Our experts assist in developing tailored philanthropic strategies to align with your vision and objectives.

Creating charitable vehicles

We manage the legal processes to establish and register your charitable entities efficiently.

Tax-efficient giving

Maximise the impact of your donations with our expert tax-efficient giving strategies.

Taxation of charities

Comprehensive tax advice ensures your charity benefits from all available tax exemptions and reliefs.

Commercial and operational matters

We provide legal support for commercial activities, partnerships and sponsorships to enhance your charity’s operations.

Governance and fiduciary advice

Ensure your charity meets governance standards and fiduciary responsibilities with our expert guidance.

Independent director or trustee

Our professionals can serve as independent trustees or directors to uphold your charity’s governance.

Charity and property law

Navigate complex transactions involving charity and property law with our specialised support.

Full administration service

Outsource your administrative tasks to us for seamless accounting, compliance and grant management.

Consultant collaboration

Partner with trusted consultants to verify the credibility and sustainability of grant recipients.

Our team

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Key Contact

Catherine de Maid Partner View profile

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Jessica Chesterfield Senior Associate View profile

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Scarlett Underwood Associate View profile

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Jacob Ashforth Associate View profile

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Examples of our work

Large retailer

Advising on its charitable foundations, including advice on the proposed consolidation of multiple entities, trading regulations and commercial participator requirements.

UHNW family

Advising the family with a charitable foundation in the US on establishing a US/UK dual qualified charity, to enable tax benefits in both jurisdictions.

University

Advising on constructing a new research facility, covering tax, procurement and charity law to ensure project success and compliance.

Environmental charity

Advising on all aspects of its operations, including property law advice on land acquisitions.

Non-departmental government body

Advising on tax and legal implications of it becoming an exempt charity, also coordinating advice in six jurisdictions on the change to exempt charitable status in those jurisdictions.

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