The overriding objective of these types of organisations is something
other than making a profit. Such organisations have a variety of objectives
for example;
Organisations aiming to look after the "needy".
GroupCharity
the homeless eg Shelter
famine stricken eg Oxfam
mentally ill eg Scope
the elderly eg Help the Aged
Organisations aiming to provide educational services or arts organisations.
Organisations aiming to protect the environment,
Greenpeace
National Trust
Woodland Trust
Although "not for profit" organisations do not exist
to make a profit they still need to follow business principles so
that they can generate enough money to fund their activities. All
charities must be registered with the Charity Commission and on
the Register of Charities. In order to register, the organisation
must convince the registrar that they are a genuine charity and
that they are being run satisfactorily. If the registration application
is accepted then the organisation will enjoy tax benefits and can
claim "gift aid" on donations.
Once registered, the charity will be given a registered number
and its activities will continue to be monitored by the Charity
Commission. Charities with annual incomes in excess of £10000
must by law, send their accounts to the Charity Commission. The
Charity Commission provides registered charities with guidance and
will expect them to adhere to it’s rules and regulations some
of which have the force of the law.