Charity begins at school...

Q.A colleague has told me that his school fund has charitable status, which obviously yields financial benefits. I have never come across this; can you advise me as to whether our school can do the same?

A.Yes it can. Any funds which the school raises and which are placed in a bank pending allocation for the benefit of the school can be held in the envelope of the Charitable Trust, which gives tax advantages both to the school receiving donated money and to the individuals and corporate donors.

The registration procedure is not difficult; you will need to inform your governors of the intention to establish the fund with HM Revenue and Customs consent, and to seek the recognition of the Charity Commission. Full details of how to register and what this involves can be found on the Charity Commission's website at www.charity-commission.gov.uk/common/applyforit.asp

• A short information paper is also available from bob.carstairs@ascl.org.uk