Why charity applications get sent back
The Commission can ask questions, return an application, decline to consider it, or reject it.
| Outcome | When | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | The Commission needs more information or clarification | Answer them fully |
| Returned | The application is unclear or incomplete, or there isn't enough to decide whether you're a charity | Fix it and resubmit |
| Not considered | The organisation isn't required to register, except in special circumstances | Check the rules. A non-CIO under £5,000 annual income can apply to HMRC for tax recognition instead |
| Rejected | The organisation isn't set up as a charity | Reapply once the reasons are dealt with, ask for a review, or appeal to the Charity Tribunal |
A successful application can also come with conditions: actions the trustees must take, which the Commission may check after registration.
The six examples the Commission gives
CC21b lists these as reasons it may ask for more information or clarification. The "looks like" lines are illustrations, not Commission wording.
1. Questions not fully answered
Looks like: "We will help local people." Relevant questions left unanswered.
Fix: answer each relevant question fully, with the specifics of your plans: who, where, how often, how it's paid for. The questions explained.
2. Not using a model or approved governing document
Looks like: a borrowed constitution that doesn't fit your organisation, or model changes made without following the notes.
Fix: use a model or approved governing document. A CIO must follow the Commission's model as closely as circumstances allow: follow each clause's notes on what to keep, omit or amend, fill every blank, and check numbering and cross-references. If you change model wording, say what and why.
3. Purposes not clear, or not explained
Looks like: "to promote good causes" (the Commission's own example of vague wording), or "to benefit the community" on its own. Or clear purposes with no account of how you'll carry them out.
Fix: state the charitable outcome. Add who benefits, where and how, where needed. Then describe the activities that deliver it. Writing purposes.
4. Public benefit not fully explained
Looks like: benefits limited to members or another group with no reason given; fees that poorer people can't afford, with no plan for them.
Fix: say who can benefit and why that group suits the purpose. Explain any limits on access. If charges are more than the poor can afford, say how they'll still benefit. Public benefit.
5. Generic text, including AI-written text
Looks like: paragraphs that could describe any charity. "We are committed to making a positive impact on our community through a range of initiatives."
Fix: the Commission names text "generated through AI tools" that isn't specific to the charity, whether you or an adviser wrote it. Describe your own plans in specific terms.
6. New or unusual purposes
They may prompt questions and need closer consideration. Allow extra time.
What the 48-hour check looks at
This is the first assessment, not the decision.
- whether you're required to register
- whether every necessary question is answered in full
- whether the facts for the register are there
- whether each trustee is eligible, including checks with other agencies
Before you press submit
- Purposes in the form match the governing document word for word, or you've explained why not.
- Governing document is a PDF, signed or witnessed where needed, every blank filled.
- Trustee declaration signed in ink by every trustee (or a corporate trustee's directors), scanned to PDF. No electronic signatures. Details.
- Organisation name on the declaration matches the governing document.
- Every trustee's details are complete: full name, address and postcode, previous names, date of birth (not for a corporate trustee), email if they have one, date of appointment where applicable.
- Public address is a postal address. A PO box isn't usually accepted, except in special circumstances such as a refuge.
- Non-CIO: proof of income over £5,000 attached.
- Company: certificate of incorporation and memorandum attached. With "charity" in the name and not yet incorporated: Statement of Non-Objection asked for.
- Employing, or buying from, a trustee, the founder or someone connected: minutes attached. Using premises they own: lease or agreement and minutes attached.
- Acronyms and made-up words in your names explained; non-English words translated; PDF permission for words like "Royal".
- If you work with children or vulnerable adults: confirmation that trustees have read, understood and follow the safeguarding guidance, and done the trustee eligibility checks the law requires.