Changing your charity's name

If your charity is registered and changes its name, you must notify the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland as soon as possible. This keeps the public register of charities accurate and up to date.

If your charity Is not yet registered, you don’t need to notify the Commission formally, but it’s good practice to do so. You can let us know you need to update your details using the contact us form. If you are registered, use the online form below to notify the Commission of the change of name.

The Commission can object to a charity’s name and, in certain circumstances, can direct it to be changed. For example, if the new name:

• is the same as or too similar to another charity’s name.
• misleads the public about the charity’s purpose or status.
• implies a false connection with government or official bodies.
• is offensive.

The Commission has produced guidance on changing your charity's name (available in the sidebar) for charities that are considering changing, or have changed, their name. 

If your charity is registered for tax purposes (for example, Gift Aid), you must also inform HMRC. If your charity is a charitable company, you must notify Companies House first, then the Commission and then HMRC - in that order.