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Philanthropic foundation administration lawyers

Good governance and philanthropy go hand in hand and our highly skilled team can help with administration, compliance and other management tasks, alongside providing legal advice on the full spectrum of legal issues that arise for charitable foundations.

Once you have established a philanthropic foundation, you may want some support from experienced professionals in administering it.

Depending on your preferences and circumstances, we may be able to support your foundation with:

  • maintaining a registered office and public contact for the foundation
  • record-keeping and financial book-keeping
  • completion of regulatory filings
  • liaising with the foundation’s investment manager, accountants and auditors
  • governance changes
  • preparing board policies
  • addressing compliance with the Common Reporting Standard

In addition, our experienced charities & philanthropy team is able to advise on the full spectrum of legal issues that arise for foundations as they operate.

Track record

Advising the World Wildlife fund and other charities in a will dispute

We represented the charities who successfully argued that English law governs the validity of a will dealing with English immovable property (the first judicial approval of the rule in Dicey). The court also held that England rather than Alabama is the appropriate forum for the dispute, despite the testatrix's nephew, Mr Clark, having obtained letters of administration in Jefferson County, Alabama

Charity of international sportsman

Assisted a well-known international sportsman with the creation of an Italian charity to support philanthropic projects and fundraising events in Italy.

Worldwide philanthropic activities

We advised a Middle Eastern family who were actively engaged in philanthropic activities around the world. We created a Jersey based charitable foundation to focus the families's activities.

Well-known UK charities

Advising several large, well-known, UK charities in relation to their pension obligations, including in the context on a transfer of former public sector employees under a business sale, and in another case, how a regional branch office might manage its risks and liabilities in relation to a final salary pension scheme in which it participated for non-associated employers in the voluntary sector.

SSAFA, the armed forces charity

Acting for SSAFA over several decades. We were on hand to advise when the charity went through a redundancy exercise and TUPE transfer in Germany. We successfully negotiated when two senior executive roles were terminated, alongside more junior members of staff, one of whom brought a disability discrimination claim. We also advised an Employment Tribunal in the UK over whether the charity could be held liable for an allegedly discriminatory decision taken by the MOD, securing a ruling in our client's favour.

Association of NHS Charities

The Association of NHS Charities is the voice of NHS Charities through England and Wales, and works to represent and support the interests of these organisations as well as offering a network of support. Withers acted on the Association's behalf in preparing the Department of Health's guidance for the deregulation of NHS Charities.

Worldwide philanthropic activities

We advised a Middle Eastern family who were actively engaged in philanthropic activities around the world. We created a Jersey based charitable foundation to focus the families's activities.

Advising the World Wildlife fund and other charities in a will dispute

We represented the charities who successfully argued that English law governs the validity of a will dealing with English immovable property (the first judicial approval of the rule in Dicey). The court also held that England rather than Alabama is the appropriate forum for the dispute, despite the testatrix's nephew, Mr Clark, having obtained letters of administration in Jefferson County, Alabama

Charity of international sportsman

Assisted a well-known international sportsman with the creation of an Italian charity to support philanthropic projects and fundraising events in Italy.

Worldwide philanthropic activities

We advised a Middle Eastern family who were actively engaged in philanthropic activities around the world. We created a Jersey based charitable foundation to focus the families's activities.

Well-known UK charities

Advising several large, well-known, UK charities in relation to their pension obligations, including in the context on a transfer of former public sector employees under a business sale, and in another case, how a regional branch office might manage its risks and liabilities in relation to a final salary pension scheme in which it participated for non-associated employers in the voluntary sector.

SSAFA, the armed forces charity

Acting for SSAFA over several decades. We were on hand to advise when the charity went through a redundancy exercise and TUPE transfer in Germany. We successfully negotiated when two senior executive roles were terminated, alongside more junior members of staff, one of whom brought a disability discrimination claim. We also advised an Employment Tribunal in the UK over whether the charity could be held liable for an allegedly discriminatory decision taken by the MOD, securing a ruling in our client's favour.

Association of NHS Charities

The Association of NHS Charities is the voice of NHS Charities through England and Wales, and works to represent and support the interests of these organisations as well as offering a network of support. Withers acted on the Association's behalf in preparing the Department of Health's guidance for the deregulation of NHS Charities.

Our team

Steven J. Chidester

Steven J. Chidester

Partner | San Diego

Steven J. Chidester

Partner | San Diego

Private client and tax

Stacy Choong

Stacy Choong

Partner | Singapore

Stacy Choong

Partner | Singapore

Private client and tax

Yee Hoong Chua

Yee Hoong Chua

Partner | Singapore

Yee Hoong Chua

Partner | Singapore

Private client and tax

Alana Petraske

Alana Petraske

Partner | New York

Alana Petraske

Partner | New York

Charities

Christopher Groves

Christopher Groves

Partner | London

Christopher Groves

Partner | London

Private client and tax

Jaime McLemore

Jaime McLemore

Partner | London

Jaime McLemore

Partner | London

Private client and tax

Michelle Chow

Michelle Chow

Consultant | Hong Kong

Michelle Chow

Consultant | Hong Kong

Private client and tax

Alison Paines

Alison Paines

Consultant | London

Alison Paines

Consultant | London

Charities

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Typical clients and industries include

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Beneficiaries and heirs

Whatever you have inherited, and wherever it is in the world, our leading team of lawyers can help you to protect the value of the asset, manage the tax implications and resolving any disputes. Find Out More
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Families and family offices

Families call on us when they want a firm that understands their needs – whether they are looking to pass down wealth, set up and run a family office, or make their mark through philanthropy. Find Out More
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Philanthropy

There is no single approach to philanthropy; what’s key is that your giving has the biggest impact possible. Whichever way you choose to donate, our team can advise on what is most effective. Find Out More

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