The difference between a charity and a campaign group
Launch library · evergreen read
A charity is typically a formally registered organisation operating under specific legal obligations, often around what activities it can undertake and how it can use its funds, particularly regarding political activity, which usually faces tighter restrictions than for other groups. Those restrictions exist for good reason, even when they feel limiting.
A campaign group can take many other legal forms, or none at all if it is a loose, informal effort, which generally offers more freedom to campaign directly and vocally but without some of the funding advantages that formal charitable status can provide. That trade off is worth weighing early, before momentum builds.
Choosing the right structure depends on a campaign's goals and its likely activities, since a group planning sustained direct political advocacy may find charitable status genuinely restrictive, while one focused on service delivery or education may find it well suited to its purpose. Getting independent advice early tends to save real trouble later.