Your charitable objects must explicitly state WHO you are helping, WHAT you are doing to help them, and WHERE you operate, using language that maps directly to the 13 descriptions of purposes in the Charities Act 2011.
Your charitable objects form the absolute legal core of your charity. If an activity does not further your objects, you legally cannot do it, no matter how good the idea is.
The anatomy of an object
A well-drafted object answers three questions. First, what is the purpose? (e.g., 'the relief of poverty'). Second, who benefits? (e.g., 'amongst young people aged 16-25'). Third, how is it achieved? (e.g., 'by providing grants and housing support').
Using model objects
The Charity Commission publishes 'model objects' for common purposes like education, health, and poverty relief. Unless your charity is doing something highly unusual, you should adopt these model objects verbatim. Modifying them for stylistic reasons usually just slows down your application.
Future-proofing
While you must be specific, avoid being so narrow that your charity cannot adapt. For example, specify 'the relief of sickness' rather than 'funding a specific brand of wheelchair,' so that if medical technology changes, your objects remain valid.
We frequently rewrite objects for clients whose applications were rejected. They often write their objects like a mission statement for a website. Objects are not marketing copy; they are strict legal parameters.
Key takeaways
- Define the what, who, and how clearly.
- Use the Charity Commission's model objects whenever possible.
- Be specific enough to pass legal scrutiny, but broad enough to adapt over time.
Drafting objects is difficult. Let Elite Digital Agency handle the legal phrasing to ensure a swift registration. See our [charity registration services](/charities/charity-registration).