HancockCarmon507

Charities are organisations set up for the benefit of the community. They enjoy some tax advantages from the government. While they can in certain circumstances trade for profit, they must use any such profit for the purposes of the charity. To qualify as a charity, an organisation has to meet strict conditions about its overall purposes, also referred to as its objects, including demonstrating that its purposes are for the public benefit. The organisation also has to be set up with a constitution or rules which meet certain conditions. These rules are usually referred to as a charity's governing document. Some charities are set up to give direct help, advice, grants or support to people in various kinds of need, for instance older people, or those with a particular medical condition. Charities are also set up to carry out research, provide training or education, or to focus on meeting the wider needs of a particular deprived area. And some charities exist mainly to support other charities, by giving grants and other assistance to them. Several kinds of organisation can qualify as a charity. For instance, some charities are also registered companies, while others are trusts. Some charities are also set up by special legislation. All are subject to the general principles of charity law. Charity trustees are the people who serve on the governing body of a charity. They may be known as trustees, directors, board members, governors or committee members. Charity trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the administration of a charity. Their responsibilities and duties are summarised on the next page. The great majority of trustees serve as volunteers, and receive no payment for their work. Charity [ trustees] come from all walks of life, and are united by their wish to create positive change in society. Most people are eligible to serve as trustees. The work of a trustee should be rewarding and enjoyable, and an opportunity to serve the community while learning new skills.