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Running a charitable trust
After incorporation a charitable trust has an ongoing obligation under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 to update certain information with the Registrar.
A charitable trust must file the following documents or updates:
- Changes to the trust deed or rules
- Changes to the board's registered name
- Changes to the registered office (the board may also notify changes to contact details such as the contact address or the name or address of any contact person.)
Note | There is no requirement for charitable trusts to file financial statements with the Registrar of Incorporated Societies.
![[icon] Further information.](./medicons/med_icon_furtherinfo.gif "[icon] Further information.")
Resources for running your trust
How do you change the rules or trust deed of a charitable trust?
Where a society that has been incorporated as a board wishes to alter its rules, this can only occur if the alterations will not affect the trust. The board must register a copy of the relevant document showing the change if any variation is made in the trusts or additional property becomes vested in the board.
How do you change the board's registered name?
An application to change the name of a charitable trust can be submitted to the Registrar.
How do you change the registered office or organisational details?
You must advise the Registrar of any change to the registered office address for the board within one month of the change. Charitable trusts also have the option of provide additional information about the board.
Funding
From time to time charitable trusts may decide to apply for funding to assist with the operation of their organisation. There are many organisations who may be able to assist with funding, each with different criteria to meet.
Managing internal problems or disputes
From time to time a charitable trust board may experience internal problems or disputes about how it is being run or the way in which its rules or the trust deed are being interpreted and applied.
How does my charitable organisation qualify for a tax exemption?
If an Incorporated Society or Charitable Trust benefits the community in a charitable way and meets certain criteria outlined by Inland Revenue, they may be granted a non-profit tax exemption.
