Initially we applied for and received registration with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) but once a charity’s income exceeds £5,000 per year it is necessary to apply for full charitable status.  This was granted in February 2010.

After successful registration, for every £1.00 donated to the charity by a UK taxpayer, the government will donate £0.25 in terms of a basic tax refund. This money is paid directly to the charity upon the completion of a claim form with all the relevant details and proof of payment. In broadest terms this means that for every £400 raised in the UK the government donates a further £100 in tax refund.

A full constitutional document was approved by HMRC on 28 April 2008 with named Trustees and a defined financial accounting period.