Definition and Purpose of Charitable Organizations
- Charitable organizations focus on philanthropy and social well-being.
- Their primary objectives include educational, religious, or other activities serving the public interest.
- The legal definition and regulation of charitable organizations vary between countries.
- Charitable organizations are not allowed to use their funds for personal profit.
- Some charitable organizations have faced criticism for excessive spending on leadership salaries.
Historical Development of Charitable Organizations
- Until the mid-18th century, charity was primarily distributed through religious structures, almshouses, and bequests from the rich.
- During the Enlightenment era, philanthropic activity among voluntary associations and affluent benefactors became widespread.
- In the 19th century, numerous charitable organizations emerged to improve the conditions of the working class.
- Philanthropy became fashionable among the middle classes in Britain and America.
- Oxfam, Care International, and Amnesty International expanded into large multinational NGOs.
Financial Sustainability and Regulatory Requirements
- Financial figures, such as tax refunds and revenue from fundraising, indicate a charity's financial sustainability.
- Charitable organizations often rely on donations from businesses, which serve as a major form of corporate philanthropy.
- Meeting the exempt organizational test requirements is necessary for a charity to maintain its tax-exempt status.
- Australia, Canada, France, Hungary, and India have jurisdiction-specific regulations and definitions for charitable organizations.
Philanthropic Initiatives in the 21st Century
- Charitable organizations have established a presence on online social media platforms.
- Initiatives such as cyber-based humanitarian crowdfunding have emerged.
- Beyond the Crisis is a notable charitable organization distributing food and resources to housing communities and homeless shelters in the U.S.
- These initiatives aim to leverage technology and digital platforms for fundraising and raising awareness.
Legal Structures and Regulations in Specific Countries
- Australia, Canada, France, Hungary, India, Singapore, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom have jurisdiction-specific regulations and definitions for charitable organizations.
- Charities in the United Kingdom are eligible for tax reliefs and exemptions.
- Charitable organizations in England and Wales have different legal structures, including unincorporated associations, trusts, companies limited by guarantee, incorporation by royal charter, and charitable incorporated organizations.
Charitable organization Data Sources
Reference | URL |
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Glossary | https://www.alternix.com/blogs/glossary-of-terms/charitable-organization |
Wikipedia | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charitable_organization |
Wikidata | https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q708676 |
Knowledge Graph | https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/02rvnv9 |