COVID-19 guidance for charities
What this guidance covers
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is forcing many charities to change how they usually operate. The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland is working to share and provide guidance to assist charities where possible as they navigate their way through this unprecedented health emergency.
This guidance brings together information charities need to know during this time, and highlights other organisations and websites which may be able to offer support.
The Commission will be adding to this guidance over coming weeks, working to keep you informed. If you feel something is missing, please contact communications@charitycommissionni.org.uk.
How to use this guidance
This guidance is for charity trustees, their staff, volunteers and service users, along with others who advise and support charities. It also aims to provide advice to the general public on how they can safely assist charities at this time.
As well as information on key queries we have received during the COVID-19 pandemic, you will also find information on how the Commission has adapted its own working practices to protect service users and staff, while continuing to serve the public and the charity sector.
This guidance is split into different parts to help you find the information you need easily.
For charities:
How do I get support to pay my staff?
- Employees
- VAT payments
- Charitable rates relief
- Can we keep fundraising?
- Can we use cash reserves to help our charity through this crisis?
- Can we use restricted funds to help our charity through this crisis?
- Emergency funding and support
Guidance for charities facing financial difficulties
Trading subsidiaries in financial difficulties
Charity registration, including expressions of intent
Can we change our charity’s purposes so we can provide support during the pandemic?
Advice regarding charity meetings
- Can I cancel or postpone my charity’s AGM or other key meetings?
- Can I use video, teleconferencing and the internet in place of face-to-face meetings?
Reporting serious incidents, including any impacts on your charity as a result of the pandemic
For everyone:
Volunteering with a charity during the pandemic
Donating to an established charity to help those most affected by the pandemic
Giving safely to charities (including reporting fraud, scams and cybercrime)