Internet Watch Foundation

Since its formation in 1996, IWF has been registered as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.  In 2003, following a governance review it was recommended that we should consider converting to charitable status.  In 2004, our Board of Directors agreed that such a possiblity should be pursued.

 

By the end of 2004, our Board and Funding Council approved Memorandum and Articles of Association for the proposed new charity. These were registered with Companies House on December 12^th 2004 and our application was formally submitted to the Charity Commission.

 

There then followed a lengthy consultation with the Charity Commission and our stakeholders regarding our 'objects'. New 'objects' were agreed and the Charity Commission approved our registered charity status on December 5^th 2005.

 

Registered charitable status provides us with a number of opportunities and advantages.  We could now raise funds from different sources, although we will continue to receive the majority of our funds from our corporate members and the EU, but it will be possible to receive donations from the public and from corporate gift aid.  We will also be able to apply for funding for specific projects from charitable trusts and benevolent organisations.  Being a charity raises the status and value of the IWF in the eyes of many and gives greater credibility to our operation. 

 

Obtaining charitable status will not affect our day to day operations and our role and remit remains the same.

 

In the coming weeks we will add a new section to our website which includes charity information and how to make donations.