What Are the Main Reasons the Charity Commission Rejects Applications

Introduction

Starting a charity is an exciting step, but it’s also a legal process that requires meeting strict standards. The Charity Commission’s role is to ensure that all registered charities are genuine, well-governed, and operating for public benefit.

Many applications are rejected because they don’t fully meet these requirements. Understanding where others go wrong helps you avoid the same pitfalls and get your charity approved more quickly.

1. The charity’s purposes are not exclusively charitable

One of the most frequent reasons for rejection is that the organisation’s purposes are too broad, unclear, or not recognised as charitable under UK law.

To be accepted, your charity must have at least one of the 13 recognised charitable purposes defined in the Charities Act 2011, such as advancing education, relieving poverty, or protecting the environment. The purpose must also clearly provide a public benefit.

If your objectives mix charitable and non-charitable aims, or if they sound too vague (for example, “to help people live better lives”), the Commission is likely to reject the application. You should rewrite your purposes using precise language and focus solely on activities that benefit the public.

2. The governing document is incomplete or poorly written

A governing document (sometimes called a constitution) outlines how the charity will operate. Many applications are refused because the document is missing key details or uses incorrect legal wording.

Your governing document must include:

The charity’s name and objectives

Trustee roles and powers

Rules for meetings and decision-making

Financial management procedures

What happens if the charity closes

Using the Charity Commission’s templates for your chosen structure—such as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) or charitable trust—can help you get this right. If your constitution is inconsistent or unclear, the Commission may ask for revisions or reject the application entirely.

3. The charity’s activities do not match its purposes

Even if your objectives are charitable, the Commission also reviews what you plan to do in practice. If your proposed activities do not clearly link to your charitable purposes, your application will be questioned.

For example, if your purpose is “the advancement of education,” but your main activity is running social events with little educational content, the Commission may decide your charity isn’t genuinely educational.

When completing your application, explain clearly how your planned work will achieve each charitable purpose and who will benefit. Provide examples of projects, services, or outcomes that demonstrate genuine public benefit.

4. The public benefit is not demonstrated

The concept of public benefit is central to charity law. The Commission rejects many applications because the organisation fails to prove how the public will benefit from its work.

You must show that your charity will help a sufficient section of the public and that any private benefits (such as payments to founders or trustees) are incidental and reasonable.

For instance, if your charity supports a small, exclusive group of individuals or primarily benefits the founder’s business interests, it won’t be approved. Clearly describe the people you aim to help, the scale of your impact, and how you’ll measure success.

5. The trustees are not suitable or not independent

The Charity Commission requires at least three independent trustees who are fit and proper to manage a charity. Applications are often rejected because the trustees are related, financially linked, or have conflicts of interest that could compromise independence.

You should choose trustees who are not spouses, business partners, or close relatives. If related trustees are unavoidable, you must explain how decisions will remain impartial and how conflicts will be managed.

The Commission may also reject applications if a trustee has been disqualified due to bankruptcy, criminal convictions, or previous misconduct. Ensuring all trustees meet the eligibility criteria before applying is crucial.

6. The organisation is not ready to register

Some applicants apply too early, before their organisation is operational or financially active. To register, your charity must be able to demonstrate that it will operate effectively and that it has, or will soon have, an income of at least £5,000 per year (unless it’s a Charitable Incorporated Organisation).

If you haven’t started fundraising, don’t have clear plans for activities, or cannot provide a realistic financial forecast, the Commission may refuse the application and advise you to reapply later.

It’s better to run as an unregistered charity or community group until you have enough activity and funding to justify registration.

7. Poor-quality or inconsistent application forms

Even small errors in the application form can cause delays or rejections. Missing information, inconsistent details, or unclear answers raise red flags for the Commission.

For example, if your financial projections don’t match the activities you’ve described or if your charity’s purpose on the form differs from what’s written in your governing document, the Commission will likely ask for clarification or reject the application.

Always double-check your application before submission. Make sure every section aligns with your governing document and that your financial figures are realistic.

8. Lack of evidence or supporting documents

The Charity Commission expects supporting evidence to back up your claims, particularly for public benefit and financial sustainability.

Common missing documents include:

Budgets or financial plans

Business or project plans

Evidence of existing or planned activities

Trustee declarations

Copies of key policies (safeguarding, conflicts of interest, etc.)

Without this information, the Commission cannot verify that your charity will operate responsibly. Supplying clear, organised documentation helps demonstrate competence and readiness.

9. The charity name is not acceptable

Charity names must be clear, appropriate, and not misleading. The Commission can reject names that:

Are too similar to an existing charity

Include offensive or sensitive words

Suggest royal or government endorsement without permission

Could mislead the public about the charity’s work

Before applying, search the Charity Commission register and Companies House database to make sure your chosen name is available.

10. The charity’s structure is inappropriate for its purpose

Choosing the wrong legal structure can also lead to rejection. For example, a charitable trust may not be suitable for a charity that plans to run large projects or employ staff, while a charitable company may be unnecessary for a small volunteer group.

Selecting the right structure ensures your charity can operate smoothly, meet its obligations, and maintain accountability. If unsure, seek advice before you apply.

How to improve your chances of approval

Be clear and specific about your charitable purpose and activities.

Use a professionally written or Charity Commission-approved governing document.

Recruit a diverse and independent board of trustees.

Prepare a realistic financial plan showing sustainable income.

Review the Charity Commission’s guidance before applying.

Ensure all supporting documents are complete and consistent.

Taking time to get these details right increases your chance of approval and speeds up the registration process.

Conclusion

The Charity Commission rejects applications most often because they lack clarity, fail the public benefit test, or are incomplete. Most rejections are preventable with careful preparation and attention to detail.

By defining your charitable purpose clearly, demonstrating how your work benefits the public, and ensuring your trustees and documents meet the legal requirements, you can build a strong and compliant application. With the right preparation, your charity will be ready to make a genuine impact and gain the recognition it deserves.