Changes to charity registration application deadline

Applicants for charity registration in Northern Ireland will no longer have a deadline by which to submit their online registration application.

The change will impact organisations submitting a registration application from October 2023 onwards, enabling charities to start their application when ready to do so.

“Previously applicants had a 30-day window in which to submit their online, charity registration application from the date the Commission called them forward to apply,” explained the Commission’s Head of Charity Services, Punam McGookin.

“This is now changing as we move towards a more open registration system, with the removal of the deadline allowing us to focus on applicants who are keen to be registered and to build the register itself.”

Currently, the Northern Ireland register of charities, available online here, contains the details of over 7,800 Northern Ireland charities, with more added on a weekly basis as applications are assessed.

The Commission manages the flow of registration applications by contacting organisations they are aware of (and have contact details for) in tranches to “call them forward” to apply for registration. You can find out more about the anticipated call forward times here.

Once contacted by the Commission, each applicant is issued with a password and encouraged to complete and submit their application as soon as possible.

This managed process is why it is vital that organisations which may be charities ensure the Commission has their contact details. If your charity is ready to register and you have not yet been called forward, then submit a fresh Expression of intent by using the form available here.

Applicants are also encouraged to prepare in advance, which they can do by reading through the Commission’s registration guidance and watching the series of tutorials available online. This will guide them through the application and allow them to gather and prepare the information they need in advance. This guidance is available online here.

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