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Philanthropic foundation administration lawyers
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.
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Our team
Steven J. Chidester
Partner | San Diego
Stacy Choong
Partner | Singapore
Yee Hoong Chua
Partner | Singapore
Alana Petraske
Partner | New York
Christopher Groves
Partner | London
Jaime McLemore
Partner | London
Michelle Chow
Consultant | Hong Kong
Alison Paines
Consultant | London
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Typical clients and industries include
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 MoreFamilies 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 MorePhilanthropy
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 MoreGet in touch
Our website will give you a flavour of the advice we provide - if you would like to talk to us for more information, please contact our client services team who will be happy to assist.