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Property Trusts and Permanent Endowment

Our experienced team of charity solicitors provides advice and support to charities, and faith-based charities and organisations, on all aspects of property trusts and permanent endowment.

Permanent endowment is money or property that is gifted to a charitable organisation for a specified purpose and is intended to be held by the charity permanently. Permanent endowments can be land, buildings, cash or investments gifted to an organisation.

There are some instances where the law allows charities to spend permanent endowment, which historically would have required the Charity Commission’s permission. However, the legislation now enables charity trustees to free permanent endowment from those restrictions, providing certain conditions are met.

At Anthony Collins Solicitors, our specialist charity law solicitors can advise upon the existence and terms of any property trust or permanent endowment held by a charity, and whether or not taking steps to free such funds from the restrictions that apply to it is possible. We can then advise on the options available.

Our experienced charity law team works in partnership with charities, and faith-based charities and organisations, to advise and support on all aspects of property trusts and permanent endowment

We can support you in a range of areas, including:

  • Advising you on whether permanent endowment exists and the options that are available in order to remove any restrictions.
  • Ensuring that you are adhering to regulatory compliance, including the duties of charity trustees under the Charities Act 2011.
  • Advising you on provisions under the Charities Act 2011 on reversing permanent endowment and supporting charities in removing those restrictions.

We are happy to discuss with you any property trusts and permanent endowment legal challenges you may be facing. We can also support you with sales, leases and property development.

Contact Dominic Curran, a specialist in charities and property law, who will be more than happy to help you.

We have been recognised for the work we do

Chambers and Partners UK 2017 – Ranked Practice Areas

Top-Tier Firm 2016

The Legal 500 Top Tier Firm 2021

UK top-five charity law firm in Charity Financials’ 2017 Top Legal Advisors list.

SECTOR LEAD

Esther Campsall

Senior associate

Senior associate in the governance, funding and corporate team