Scottish Charities

 

The word ‘charity’ now has legal meaning in Scotland.  An organisation can only call itself a charity if it is entered in the Scottish Charity Register

 

By registering, charities reassure the public, tax authorities, funding organisations and benefactors that: 

  • they are regulated by OSCR
  • their Trustees act in a certain manner and provide OSCR with relevant information
  • they meet the charity test.

OSCR’s work under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, reassures the public that charities are operating within a modern, robust legal framework. Click on the links below to find out more about charities.

Setting up a Scottish charity

To become a charity in Scotland you must apply to OSCR for charitable status. 

 

Read  about Scottish charities and the application process.

English and Welsh charities

Read about the legislative requirements for cross border charities.

 

Meeting
requirements

OSCR has a statutory duty to encourage and facilitate compliance by charities with legislative requirements.

 

Read about OSCR's reporting requirements.

Documents and publications

Read OSCR's documents and publications that will assist you when applying for charitable status.

Glossary of 
terms

Read an explanation of the terms used in the About Scottish Charities pages.

Useful                                 links

Links to other useful websites.

The Scottish Charity Register

Search for a registered charity.

 

 

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